“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,” said a BCB press release issued on Thursday.
“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 press release further read.
Jahanara alleged in an interview on social media on Thursday that she received indecent proposals from members of the national team management during the 2022 ICC Women’s World Cup.
She accused former national pace bowler Manjurul Islam, former manager and selector of the women’s team, of ruining her career in national colours because she did not accept his indecent proposals.
Jahanara, currently living in Australia, also accused late Towhid Mahmud and another board official Sarfaraz Babu, of approaching her with indecent proposals.
She also stated that she had informed the women’s wing chairman Nadel Chowdhury about the incidents and also sent a letter to BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury regarding the harassment she faced.
Manzurul dismissed the allegations to the international news media Cricbuzz.
“What can I say apart from terming it as baseless. You can ask other cricketers whether I was good or bad,” Manzurul was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
“It’s unfortunate she is dragging a dead man. I just want her to come up with proof instead of making baseless accusations,” Babu told Cricbuzz when asked about the allegations.
The BCB said that it will take appropriate action based on its investigation.
“The BCB is committed to ensuring a safe, respectful, and professional environment for all its players and personnel. The board takes such matters with utmost seriousness and will take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation,” the BCB press release on Thursday further said.
Previously, Jahanara had given an interview to a Daily where she made allegations against the current women’s team captain and coaches.
BCB had issued a press release last Tuesday regarding those allegations, stating that it “categorically and strongly refutes these allegations, which are baseless, fabricated and devoid of any truth.”
Following the latest allegations, however, the BCB has decided to form a committee and officially investigate the allegations of abuse.
