Jahanara Alam Sexual Harassment Saga Concludes With BCB Ban On Former Selector

Jahanara Alam. [Source - X.com]

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has imposed a ban on former women’s team selector and manager Monjurul Islam after an independent investigation into harassment allegations made by cricketer Jahanara Alam. The decision was confirmed following a board of directors’ meeting on Saturday.

The move comes months after Jahanara Alam formally raised complaints about inappropriate conduct. An Independent Inquiry Committee was formed to examine the matter in detail. After reviewing the evidence and speaking to those involved, the committee submitted its findings earlier this month to the board president.

While the BCB has confirmed disciplinary action, it has not specified how long the ban will remain in place. The board also stated that it is reviewing further recommendations from the inquiry panel and may announce additional measures in the coming days.

Inquiry Committee Findings and Board Action in Jahanara Alam Case

A five-member Independent Inquiry Committee was formed in November after Jahanara’s allegations came into the public eye. The panel examined four specific complaints and spoke to the people involved before preparing its final report. The report was submitted to BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul on February 2.

The committee said that two of the four allegations could not be proven due to lack of evidence. However, it found enough initial evidence to support claims of inappropriate behaviour in the other two complaints made by the former Bangladesh captain.

After reviewing the report, the BCB decided to ban Monjurul Islam from all cricket-related activities under its control. Although he is no longer working with the board, the ban ensures he cannot take up any direct or indirect position within BCB-run cricket in the future.

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Official Statement and Ban Details

In its official press release, the BCB stated:

“Based on the findings of the Independent Inquiry Committee formed by the BCB to examine the complaint lodged by former Bangladesh Women’s National Team Captain Jahanara Alam, the Board has decided to impose a ban on former national cricketer Monjurul Islam from all forms of direct or indirect employment and cricket-related activities under the jurisdiction of the Bangladesh Cricket Board. The BCB is reviewing the recommendations of the Committee and will take any additional measures deemed necessary in light of the report."

The statement makes it clear that the board has taken the committee’s findings seriously and acted on them without delay. However, by not mentioning a specific time period for the ban, the BCB has left questions open about whether the restriction is temporary or permanent.

What This Means Going Forward

Although Monjurul Islam contract with the board had already ended on June 30, 2025, the ban formally bars him from returning to any cricket role under the BCB. This step signals the board’s intent to act on complaints raised by players.

Bangladesh Cricket has also announced the formation of a separate complaint committee in line with a 2009 High Court Division judgment. Headed by director and women’s wing chairperson Rubaba Dowla, the committee aims to strengthen safeguards and create a safer environment for women cricketers in Bangladesh.

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