Why Experts Must Be Included: TIB Slams BCB Over Jahanara Alam Sexual Harassment Probe
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has finally taken a step forward by forming a three-member committee to investigate serious allegations of sexual harassment made by former women’s national team player Jahanara Alam against former selector and manager Manjurul Islam. While many view this as a positive move, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) believes it falls far short of what is needed.
In a media release issued on Sunday, TIB stressed that simply forming an internal committee is not enough to guarantee a fair and professional investigation. To ensure full impartiality and effectiveness, the organization has strongly recommended including **at least two independent experts** with proven experience in handling sexual harassment cases.
TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman welcomed the committee’s formation but added a clear warning: “To ensure full professionalism, impartiality, and effectiveness, at least two independent experts with relevant experience in investigating sexual harassment must be included in the committee.”
The concerns go deeper. TIB expressed disappointment over the BCB’s longstanding lack of proper safeguarding policies and institutional mechanisms to prevent and address sexual harassment. This gap directly violates guidelines from the **International Cricket Council (ICC)** as well as directives from Bangladesh’s High Court dating back to 2009, which make it mandatory for all institutions to form committees to prevent sexual harassment in workplaces.
According to TIB, the women’s cricket team has achieved remarkable success despite numerous challenges, yet female players continue to be undervalued compared to their male counterparts. The organization pointed out that previous complaints of harassment were allegedly suppressed, creating a culture of impunity and raising questions about institutionalized male dominance within Bangladesh cricket.
“Iftekharuzzaman noted that the allegations cannot be viewed in isolation. Following Jahanara’s complaint, other similar incidents have surfaced, highlighting the absence of proper regulations and support systems aligned with High Court and ICC standards.
The ICC’s Safeguarding Guidance (2019) clearly requires member boards to develop policies ensuring the physical, mental, and sexual safety of all participants, appoint trained officers to handle complaints, and demonstrate zero tolerance for harassment or abuse of power. TIB argues that the BCB has failed in these areas.
In its statement, TIB called for urgent action: the immediate formation of an independent, gender-sensitive committee to receive and resolve sexual harassment complaints, the development of a comprehensive safeguarding policy in line with international standards, and greater transparency and accountability in all investigations.
Jahanara Alam’s courage in speaking out has spotlighted a critical issue in Bangladesh sports. For real change to happen, the BCB must move beyond token committees and build robust, professional systems that protect athletes—especially women—who dedicate themselves to representing the nation.
The coming weeks will show whether the board chooses meaningful reform or continues with business as usual. The eyes of players, fans, and the international cricket community are watching.
*What are your thoughts on this? Should independent experts be mandatory in such probes? Share in the comments below.*
Source: Prothom Alo