The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has doubled down on its zero-tolerance policy toward harassment in cricket, following explosive allegations made by former women’s team captain Jahanara Alam. The board is under growing pressure to deliver swift and impartial justice, after revelations that have rocked the country’s cricket establishment.
“Zero tolerance. Thank you.”
BCB president Aminul Islam, responding to mounting questions on the board’s position, was clear and unequivocal.
“You’ve asked a question, and here’s my reply – zero tolerance. Thank you,” Aminul replied to a question on the board’s stance.
The statement came after Jahanara accused former selector and manager Manjurul Alam of sexually harassing her during the 2022 Women’s World Cup in New Zealand. Her claims were followed by further accusations from other former female cricketers, casting a spotlight on deeper structural issues in the women’s setup.
Independent probe launched, top officials reassigned
The BCB has formed a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the allegations. Retired Supreme Court Justice Tariq ul Hakim will serve as convener, joined by BCB director Rubaba Dowla and senior advocate Barrister Sarwat Siraj Shukla. The board has emphasized the independence and seriousness of the process.
“This committee was formed so that it can work independently,” Aminul told reporters after the first day of the Bangladesh Cricket Conference held at a city hotel on Sunday.
“But we thought someone from the board should be there so that she can provide the necessary information.”
In response to the probe, four officials associated with the women’s team — manager SM Golam Faiyaz, physio Suraiya Akter, coach Mahmud Emon, and official Sarfaraz Babu — have been placed on special duty (OSD), effectively sidelined pending investigation.
No formal complaint received, but probe continues
Despite the serious nature of the accusations, Aminul revealed that the board has yet to receive an official complaint from Jahanara or others.
“We are receiving the news from different sources. But no verbal or written complaint has been submitted. But still we’re looking after this,” he said.
“Most probably the issue was resolved in 2021. But whatever the new [allegations] have been coming, we have not received those yet [officially],” he added.
Still, the board has committed to following through once the committee delivers its findings.
“We will go to further action after the committee submits the report. Their scope of work will not be confined to the incidents related to Jahanara Alam; they will try to find out others as well,” said Amzad Hussain, the chairman of the media committee of the BCB.
“Directors are not above the law”
The scandal has raised questions about accountability at the highest levels of the board. But BCB officials have been quick to assert that no one, including directors or the president, is immune from investigation.
“Well, whether it’s an employee or a director, there’s an investigation committee that is responsible for making decisions. Since the committee has already been formed, we are dependent on their decision because as a cricket board director or even as president, we are not entitled to take any decisions independently,” said Shanian Taneem, director of the facilities committee.
“If the inquiry committee tells us tomorrow that four employees need to be placed on special duty (OSD), we will do so. At the same time, since you mainly want to hear about the directors — because that’s what’s being implied — the decision is theirs. When they conduct the investigation, it will cover everyone involved. It’s not as if they’ll spare any director,” he said.
“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 said.
Due process critical in sensitive cases
While emphasizing the board’s hard stance on misconduct, BCB leadership also urged caution, highlighting the need for fairness and due process given the personal nature of the allegations.
“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,” said Shanian.
“If the allegation were made against you today, you would deserve the right to know the decision — whether you did it or not because anyone can make an allegation. And let’s assume it’s right or wrong — but those accused also have families, wives, and children. So they too deserve five to seven days to prove themselves right. I believe they should be given that chance,” he added.
“Even the Prime Minister of this country isn’t exempt from such rules. We’re just ordinary directors. If I go and harass someone, and it’s proven to be true, then I’m just an ordinary director — not above the law. So, if the investigation proves the allegations correct, the guilty will be punished. This isn’t about me or you — it’s about the principle,” he concluded.
TIB calls for stronger committee
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has also weighed in, urging the inclusion of experts with experience in handling sexual harassment cases to ensure the credibility and sensitivity of the investigation. The BCB has yet to respond publicly to that request.
A defining test for BCB’s integrity
The Jahanara Alam case — and the BCB’s response — has become a litmus test for governance in Bangladesh cricket. As the investigation unfolds, the board’s pledge of “zero tolerance” will be measured not just in words, but in action.
“Regarding any harassment, be it verbal, physical, psychological or cyber, our board has a zero-tolerance policy. We will not tolerate any of this kind. Strict actions will be taken,” said Amzad Hussain.
“We were not there [on the board] back then. But that doesn’t mean we cannot be held responsible. With full effort, we are giving it full priority. Inshallah we will keep patience,” he further said.
