BCB reiterates zero-tolerance stance on sexual harassment complaints

Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam said on Sunday that they have zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct with women cricketers.

The whole country was taken aback when Jahanara Alam accused former national pace bowler Manjurul Alam of sexually harassing her during the 2022 World Cup in New Zealand. Following her revelation several other former female cricketers are also raising their voice that prompted BCB form an investigation committee to look into the allegations of misconduct.

Tariq ul Hakim, Retired Justice, Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, has been named the convener of the committee, while newly appointed BCB director Rubaba Dowla and Barrister Sarwat Siraj Shukla, Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, are among the members.

BCB president insisted that no one will be spared if accusations against them are proven by the investigation panel.

"You've asked a question, and here's my reply - zero tolerance. Thank you," Aminul replied to a question on the board's stance, adding that they should give time to the investigation panel to complete and report their findings.

It was learnt BCB decided to out four of its officials involved with women's cricket on special duty (OSD) following harassment allegations made Jahanara that includes manager S M Golam Faiyaz, physio Suraiya Akter, coach Mahmud Emon, and official Sarfaraz Babu.

Shanian Taneem, director of the facilities committee, who sat beside Aminul, insisted that there is no scope to avoid punishment if someone is involved in wrong-doing whether he is an employee or a director.

"Well, whether it's an employee or a director, there's an investigation committee that is responsible for making decisions. Since the committee has already been formed, we are dependent on their decision because as a cricket board director or even as president, we are not entitled to take any decisions independently," said Shanian.

"If the inquiry committee tells us tomorrow that four employees need to be placed on special duty (OSD), we will do so. At the same time, since you mainly want to hear about the directors - because that's what's being implied - the decision is theirs. When they conduct the investigation, it will cover everyone involved. It's not as if they'll spare any director," he said.

"For example, if the allegations were against me, they would carry out a full investigation against me as well. If the investigators recommended my removal, then I would have to step aside too. There will be zero tolerance - whether it's the president, a board director, or any employee," he said.

"If the allegations are true, they will not be tolerated. But at the same time, since such investigations touch upon someone's personal life, it can also harm them if the allegations turn out to be false. So, at least five to seven days should be given to them," he said.

"If the allegation were made against you today, you would deserve the right to know the decision - whether you did it or not because anyone can make an allegation. And let's assume it's right or wrong - but those accused also have families, wives, and children. So they too deserve five to seven days to prove themselves right. I believe they should be given that chance," he said.

"Even the Prime Minister of this country isn't exempt from such rules. We're just ordinary directors. If I go and harass someone, and it's proven to be true, then I'm just an ordinary director - not above the law. So, if the investigation proves the allegations correct, the guilty will be punished. This isn't about me or you - it's about the principle," he concluded.