'Zero Tolerance' – BCB vows strong action after Jahanara Alam’s sexual harassment revelations

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 11:45:52 GMT

The Bangladesh Cricket Board took a strong step in the wake of revelations by cricketer Jahanara Alam of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior by a senior official. Her statements have shocked the cricket community and brought attention to the issue of safety and respect in women’s cricket.

In an interview with journalist Riasad Azim, Jahanara said that Manjurul Alam, a former Bangladesh pacer and women’s team manager during the 2022 ICC Women’s World Cup, made “offensive requests” and behaved wrongly toward her. Her revelation brought widespread concern and invoked immediate action on the part of the BCB.

The BCB, following her interview, announced the probe into the matter and subsequently formed a special committee to investigate the allegations. The board has asked the committee to submit a detailed report within 15 working days to ensure fairness and transparency.

BCB President Emphasizes ‘Zero-Tolerance’ Stance

Speaking to reporters, BCB President Aminul Islam reiterated the board’s uncompromising approach to misconduct within the organization. “You’ve asked a question, and here’s my reply: zero tolerance. Thank you,” he said firmly. Aminul emphasized that while the BCB will not tolerate any form of harassment or misconduct, it will also ensure that due process is followed and that both the accused and the complainant receive fair treatment.

He further added, “If the allegations are true, they will not be tolerated. But at the same time, since such investigations touch upon someone's personal life, it can also harm them if the allegations turn out to be false. So, at least five to seven days should be given to them.” The president also made it clear that this policy applies to everyone, including himself and all board directors. “For example, if the allegations were against me, they would carry out a full investigation against me as well. If the investigators recommended my removal, then I would have to step aside too. There will be zero tolerance, whether it's the president, a board director, or any employee,” he stated.

To preserve the integrity of the investigation, the BCB has temporarily reassigned four officials associated with the women’s team, manager SM Golam Faiyaz, physio Suraiya Akter, coach Mahmum Emon, and official Sarfaraz Baby, to special duties until the inquiry is complete.

BCB strongly denies physical abuse allegations against Nigar Sultana Joty

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 16:21:47 GMT

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has strongly denied allegations of physical abuse made by fast bowler Jahanara Alam against the national women’s team captain, Nigar Sultana Joty. Alam, who has not played international cricket since December 2024, alleged in an interview with Bangladeshi newspaper Kaler Kantho that Sultana had physically assaulted some teammates.

Nigar Sultana recently led Bangladesh during the 2025 Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh placed seventh out of eight teams after just one victory against Pakistan, but they gave competitive games against England, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. The team struggled, but Sultana was commended for her calmness as captain and her performances.

In response to Alam’s allegations, the BCB released an official response, firmly rejecting the accusations and suggesting they were false. “The BCB categorically and strongly refutes these allegations, which are baseless, fabricated and devoid of any truth. The Board finds it unfortunate that such derogatory and scandalous claims have been made at a time when the Bangladesh Women's Team is showing commendable progress and unity on the international stage,” the statement read, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

BCB Backs Team and Leadership

The board further stated that the timing and intent of the remarks appeared to be deliberate and ill-intentioned, aimed at damaging team morale. “The Board believes that the timing and nature of these comments are deliberate, ill-intentioned and seemingly aimed at undermining the spirit and confidence of a team that continues to represent the country with pride,” the BCB added.

“It is deeply disappointing that an individual who currently has no involvement or relevance in the plans of Bangladesh cricket has chosen to make such misleading statements in public. The BCB wishes to make it clear that it has complete trust and confidence in the Women's National Team's leadership, players and management. The Board has found no evidence to support any of the claims made and stands firmly behind the team and its personnel,” it said.

Sultana, who had a solid individual campaign at the World Cup with 150 runs, continues to be a key figure in Bangladesh women’s cricket. With 1,474 runs in 60 ODI innings, she remains a pillar of stability for her side. The Bangladesh women’s team is currently on a break following the World Cup but will resume action in December with a white-ball tour of world champions India Women.