BCB launches probe, govt assures support after Jahanara's sexual harassment revelation

"The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has noted with concern the allegations reported in the media made by a former member of the Bangladesh National Women's Cricket Team regarding alleged misconduct by certain individuals associated with the team. As the matter is of a sensitive nature, the BCB has decided to form a committee to investigate the allegations thoroughly. The committee will submit its findings and recommendations within 15 working days," BCB said in a statement hours after the interview was uploaded on YouTube.

Asif said that their government is promise-bound to ensure safety of athletes and would go for exemplary punishment if the accused are proven guilty. "Ensuring the safety of women in sports and other areas is our top priority. Regarding this matter, I've watched the interview and spoken with the BCB. The BCB's investigative committee will submit a report as soon as possible," Asif told reporters.

"We will speak with the victim, and if she wishes to pursue legal action, since this is a criminal offence, we, on behalf of the government, will look into it with the most seriousness and ensure that those who were involved receive exemplary punishment," he said.

"The allegations raised by Jahanara Alam are extremely serious, and if proven true, they are absolutely unacceptable under any circumstances. Such behavior cannot be tolerated, not only because she is a national cricketer or a former captain, but because no athlete, at any level of sport, and no woman, anywhere, should ever have to face such treatment," Tamim wrote on his Facebook page.

"Although the BCB has formed an investigation committee, I believe a separate and independent committee should be established under the National Sports Council or the government, with no one from the BCB involved. That is the only way to ensure complete impartiality. This committee should be formed as soon as possible and the matter must be treated with the highest priority. The investigation should be completed swiftly, and whoever is found guilty, regardless of their position, must face appropriate and exemplary punishment," he said.

"A few days ago, Jahanara also made allegations about the national team's environment, which the BCB dismissed outright. When a player raises such serious concerns about the team, those claims should be properly examined. The way the BCB rushed to deny those allegations without any inquiry was unacceptable. Since Jahanara's recent accusations, more disturbing stories have started to surface from different sources.

"I urge all women cricketers who have faced such behavior, whether directly or indirectly, in any form of harassment, to speak up and come forward with courage. For the sake of Bangladesh cricket, for the sports community, and for the current and future generations, this is essential. I promise, you will have my full support, and we will stand beside you," he said.

"If proper action is not taken in response to Jahanara's allegations and if justice is not ensured, then in the future, young women will be afraid to pursue cricket or any sport as a career. We cannot allow that to happen," he added.

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