Bangladesh Government Promises Full Support to Jahanara Alam amid Sexual Harassment Allegations

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Bangladesh's sports community has been shaken by serious allegations of sexual harassment made by Jahanara Alam, a senior figure in the national women's cricket setup.

The experienced cricketer came forward publicly, claiming she was sexually harassed during the 2022 ICC Women's World Cup in New Zealand - becoming the whistleblower in what is now seen as one of Bangladesh cricket's biggest scandals.

The Bangladesh government has pledged full support to Jahanara and assured strict legal action against those found guilty. Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, Sports Advisor to the Prime Minister, said on Friday that the authorities would ensure justice and athlete safety remains their top priority, as it was reported by Cricbuzz.

"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 on Friday.

"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 added.

Soon after Jahanara's account surfaced in an interview uploaded on YouTube, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed it had taken cognisance of the allegations. The board announced the formation of an inquiry committee to investigate the claims, with findings expected within 15 working days.

"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," the BCB said in an official statement.

Reports suggest that some of the accused individuals are still working within the BCB structure, while the main accused, former national pacer and women's team manager Manjurul Alam, is currently based in China.

Former Bangladesh men's captain Tamim Iqbal expressed serious concern over the matter and called for an independent inquiry, separate from the BCB's ongoing investigation.

"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 added.

Tamim further urged the board to take player concerns seriously and highlighted how the BCB's earlier dismissal of Jahanara's complaints about the national team's environment was unacceptable.

The Cricket Welfare Association of Bangladesh also voiced strong support for immediate action in a statement, saying, "Each of Jahanara Alam's allegations is extremely serious and cannot be ignored."

"The BCB should conduct a prompt and transparent investigation involving all those named, including the team manager, selector, former in-charge, and coach. Any delay or attempt to conceal the matter would be unacceptable," the statement added.