The five-member committee tasked with probing sexual harassment allegations lodged by former Bangladesh women’s cricket captain Zahanara Alam submitted its report to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Monday. Zahanara had accused a member of the team management of sexual harassment, prompting the BCB to establish a dedicated investigation panel.
Prior to the submission of the report, a significant legal development took place on Sunday. The High Court issued a rule seeking clarification on why the BCB’s prolonged silence over Zahanara’s complaint would not be considered legally improper. The bench, comprising Justice Ahmad Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar, delivered the directive following a hearing on a writ petition related to the case.
The court instructed the BCB to explain why it had failed to submit the investigation report within the stipulated timeframe. Additionally, the board was directed to provide detailed information regarding the steps it has taken concerning Zahanara Alam’s allegations and what future measures it plans to implement to address such complaints.
A BCB director, speaking to Jugantor, acknowledged that the investigation committee required additional time to ensure a thorough and transparent review. “For the sake of a comprehensive investigation, the committee may have taken a bit longer. However, they have now formally submitted their report to the BCB, and it will next be reviewed by the Disciplinary Committee,” the director stated.
The director further assured that the contents of the investigation report would be made public. The allegations were initially raised in November last year, when Zahanara accused Monjurul Islam, a former cricketer, selector, and team manager of the Bangladesh women’s cricket team, of sexual harassment. Following these accusations, the BCB promptly established the independent committee to conduct the investigation.
The submission of the report was delayed on multiple occasions. Originally, the independent investigation committee was granted an extension until 31 January to complete its work, following an initial extension announced by the BCB on 21 December. Due to the BCB office being closed on that day, the committee ultimately submitted the report on Monday.
Summary of Key Details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Complainant | Zahanara Alam, former captain, Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team |
| Accused | Monjurul Islam, former cricketer, selector, and team manager |
| Committee | 5-member independent investigation panel |
| Allegation | Sexual harassment by a team management member |
| Investigation Timeline | Initial report deadline extended twice; final submission on 2 February 2026 |
| Legal Action | High Court issued rule seeking explanation for delayed action |
| Next Step | Report to be reviewed by BCB Disciplinary Committee |
The case has drawn significant public attention, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding governance and accountability within the Bangladesh Cricket Board, particularly in matters involving player safety and professional conduct. Observers note that the forthcoming disciplinary proceedings and potential policy changes could set a precedent for how the board handles similar complaints in the future.