Former Bangladesh women’s cricket captain Jahanara Alam has raised concerns over the transparency and handling of the investigation conducted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) into her sexual harassment complaint, stating that the process has left her dissatisfied despite the inquiry being formally concluded.
The BCB recently confirmed that it had received the report of an Independent Inquiry Committee formed to investigate allegations of misconduct in women’s cricket, stemming from a complaint filed by Alam related to an incident during the 2022 Women’s World Cup. Following submission of the report, the board said it had engaged its legal team to review the findings and determine the next course of action.
According to the BCB, the inquiry examined four specific allegations made by the former captain. Two were found to be unsubstantiated due to insufficient evidence, while the remaining two were supported by prima facie findings of inappropriate conduct. These allegations were directed at Md Monjurul Islam, who served as selector and team manager during the period in question. His contractual association with the BCB ended on June 30, 2025.
In its official statement issued on February 3, the board reiterated its stance on misconduct, stating that it follows a zero-tolerance policy and would take appropriate steps in accordance with its regulations and applicable law, following legal review of the inquiry’s conclusions.
However, Alam’s legal representatives, Mahbub & Company, released a statement on Sunday expressing dissatisfaction with the outcome and the manner in which the findings were communicated. While acknowledging the conclusion of the inquiry as a procedural step forward, the statement noted that Alam has not been formally informed of the results nor provided access to the inquiry report, despite being the complainant.
The legal team highlighted that the BCB’s media release did not clarify which allegations were substantiated, nor did it outline the factual basis for the conclusions drawn by the committee. This lack of detail, they said, undermines transparency in a matter of serious concern.
Following the public release, Alam reportedly contacted the BCB via email seeking clarification and access to the report. The board responded by stating that the media announcement followed standard protocol and that the legal team was reviewing the report prior to any lawful disclosure. However, no timeline was provided regarding when the report, or parts of it, would be shared with her.
The statement further clarified that although the BCB has suggested the inquiry committee was formed independently, Alam maintains that it was constituted specifically to investigate her formal sexual harassment complaint. Regardless of how the committee was initiated, her legal counsel asserted that she is entitled to be informed of the findings and any consequential actions.
Alam has reiterated the need for a process that is transparent, fair and centred on the complainant, calling on the BCB to formally communicate the inquiry’s conclusions, share relevant portions of the report and clearly outline the steps it intends to take. Her legal team stated that further action would be considered once the board’s decisions are officially conveyed.
