Inquiry ends, but uncertainty remains for complainant
The conclusion of an internal investigation into allegations of sexual harassment within Bangladesh women’s cricket has opened a new chapter of uncertainty rather than closure. Former national captain Jahanara Alam, whose complaint triggered the probe, has welcomed the end of the process but raised serious concerns about how its outcome has been handled.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has confirmed that the Independent Inquiry Committee has completed its work and submitted its report, with the board now reviewing the findings. In an official statement, the board said, “In view of the report of the Independent Inquiry Committee, the Board has engaged its Legal Team to address the findings in line with the BCB’s zero-tolerance policy on harassment and misconduct. The Board is committed to pursuing appropriate actions and measures in accordance with its regulations and applicable law.”
Legal response highlights lack of disclosure
While the board has acknowledged receipt of the report, Jahanara’s legal representatives say the process has fallen short in keeping the complainant informed. In a statement issued by Mahbub & Company on her behalf, it was noted that “Ms. Alam notes that the inquiry process has reportedly concluded and that the report has been submitted to the BCB as per the BCB’s media release dated February 4, 2026. She expresses her gratitude to the Independent Inquiry Committee for officially concluding the investigation. While this is a positive procedural development and Ms. Alam is relieved, it must be emphasised that she, as the complainant, has not been formally informed of the outcome, nor has she been provided with a copy of the Inquiry Committee’s report or any portion thereof, despite being entitled to such information.”
The absence of formal communication has become a central issue in Alam’s response, particularly given the seriousness of the allegations and the length of time since they were first raised.
Findings acknowledged, details questioned
According to public information released by the board, the inquiry examined four allegations connected to the 2022 Women’s World Cup. Two were found to be unsubstantiated, while the remaining two were said to involve prima facie evidence against the then selector and manager of the women’s team, Md Monjurul Islam, whose contract with the board ended in June 2025.
However, Alam’s legal team has challenged the way those findings were presented. “According to the BCB’s media release, the Inquiry Committee examined four specific allegations, finding two unsubstantiated and prima facie evidence in respect of the remaining two allegations against the then selector and manager, Md Monjurul Islam. However, the release does not specify which allegations were substantiated, nor does it provide the factual basis for these conclusions. This lack of transparency is disappointing given the serious nature of the allegations,” the statement said.
Requests for clarification go unanswered
Following the board’s announcement, Alam sought further clarity directly from the BCB. Her legal advisors detailed that outreach in a subsequent statement, explaining, “Following the BCB’s media release, Ms. Alam communicated with the BCB via email seeking clarification on the inquiry report. The Board responded that the media release followed standard procedure and that its Legal Team is reviewing the report before any lawful disclosure. However, despite her request, the Board has not confirmed whether or when the report will be provided. While the BCB has stated in email correspondence that the Inquiry Committee was formed on its own initiative, Ms. Alam clarifies that it was established specifically to investigate her formal sexual harassment complaint. Regardless of the origin of the committee, she is entitled to the final report.”
The exchange has further intensified concerns around accountability and procedural fairness in how the case has been managed.
Call for a victim‑centric process
At the heart of Alam’s position is the principle that complainants must remain central to any disciplinary or investigative process. Her legal team underlined that expectation in clear terms, stating, “Ms. Alam reiterates that any process addressing allegations of this gravity must be transparent, fair and victim-centric. At a minimum, she must be formally informed of the findings, provided with the relevant portions of the report, and clearly advised of the concrete actions the BCB intends to take in response to the Inquiry Committee’s conclusions.”
As the board continues its legal review, the focus now shifts to whether the next steps will address those concerns and restore confidence in how such cases are handled within the sport.
