A storm of controversy has erupted in Bangladesh women’s cricket. After the captain’s earlier remarks, one of the country’s top pacers, Jahanara Alam, has come forward with explosive allegations against former national team selector and manager Manjurul Islam. She claims that she was subjected to sexual harassment over an extended period while playing for the national team.
নির্বাচকের বিরুদ্ধে যৌন হেনস্থার অভিযোগ তুলে ‘বিস্ফোরক’ তারকা পেসার
In a recent emotional interview, Jahanara broke down in tears as she revealed that she had repeatedly filed written complaints to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), but no effective action was taken. According to her, there was temporary behavioral change following her complaints, but soon the same inappropriate conduct resumed.
Jahanara alleged that Manjurul Islam made uncomfortable comments and physical advances toward her. She said, “He (Manjurul) once put his hand on my shoulder and said, ‘How many days of your period are left? Let me know when it’s over—I need to take care of my side too.’ After matches, he would hug me inappropriately during handshakes.”
She further claimed that she reported these incidents to Nadel Sir, then head of the women’s cricket wing, as well as to several other officials, but no permanent solution was reached.
“I reported it countless times over one and a half years. Things would improve for a couple of days, then go back to the same behavior,” she said.
Earlier, in an interview with Kaler Kantho, Jahanara had also spoken out against the “syndicate culture” within the women’s team. She alleged that former selector Manjurul Islam, late women’s division in-charge Touhidur Rahman, and current captain Nigar Sultana Joty had formed a powerful group that intimidated other players.
Initially, the BCB dismissed the claims as “baseless.” However, it has now changed its stance. In a late-night press release on Thursday, the board announced the formation of an investigation committee, which has been instructed to submit a report within 15 days.
Meanwhile, Jahanara has also expressed her frustration with captain Nigar Sultana Joty, accusing her of mistreating junior players—forcing them to carry bags and massage her head. Nigar, however, has denied all allegations, saying, “Jahanara is spreading false claims for personal reasons.”
The entire sports community in Bangladesh is now in turmoil over these successive revelations. After years of contributing to the nation’s cricketing success, Jahanara’s bold disclosure has drawn widespread attention—all eyes are now on the outcome of the BCB’s investigation.