The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has received the investigation report concerning allegations of sexual misconduct in women’s cricket raised by former national captain Jahanara Alam, a member of the inquiry committee confirmed on February 2.
The allegations, which involve an alleged incident of sexual assault by a member of the team management, prompted the BCB to constitute an independent investigation committee to examine the matter.
Initially, the committee was headed by Justice Tariq ul Hakim, a former judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. Other members included BCB director Rubaba Dowla and Barrister Sarwat Siraj Shukla, a senior Supreme Court lawyer and President of the Women’s Sports Association.
The committee was later expanded to include Professor Dr Naima Huq, former Chair of the Law Department at the University of Dhaka and current member of the Bangladesh Law Commission, along with Barrister Muhammed Mustafizur Rahman Khan, Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court.
Confirming the submission of the report, Barrister Sarwat Siraj Shukla stated that the findings have been formally handed over to the board. The investigation timeline had been extended multiple times since the committee’s formation.
On December 2, the BCB announced its first extension, citing a request from Jahanara Alam for additional time to submit her written complaint. She was granted an extra 15 days. Later, on December 21, the board stated that the committee would submit its report by January 31.
The submission of the report comes amid judicial scrutiny. On February 2, the High Court issued a rule questioning the BCB’s lack of action in addressing the allegations. The order was passed by a bench comprising Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar following a writ petition.
During the hearing, senior advocate Barrister Nasir Uddin Ahmed Asim, along with other lawyers, argued that the board’s inaction could discourage victims from coming forward. The court directed the BCB to explain why its silence should not be declared “illegal and against public interest” and asked the board to clarify the steps it has taken or intends to take regarding the allegations.
(Inputs soured from Cricbuzz)
