Jahanara Alam raises concerns over BCB inquiry report

Former Bangladesh women's team captain Jahanara Alam has expressed displeasure with the probe report submitted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board's investigation committee, following her allegation of sexual harassment by a member of the team management during the 2022 World Cup.

Recently, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) received the investigation report into allegations of misconduct in women's cricket raised by former national captain Alam, following which the board engaged a legal team to examine the findings.

The Independent Inquiry Committee examined four specific allegations made by the senior cricketer. Two of these were not substantiated by the available evidence. With regard to the remaining two, the committee found prima facie evidence of inappropriate conduct by the then selector and manager of the Bangladesh women's team, Md Monjurul Islam, whose contractual tenure with the BCB ended on June 30, 2025.

The committee noted behaviour inconsistent with professional standards and observed that certain actions fell within the definition of misconduct and harassment under the applicable guidelines of the Supreme Court.

"In view of the report of the Independent Inquiry Committee, the Board has engaged its Legal Team to address the findings in line with the BCB's zero-tolerance policy on harassment and misconduct. The Board is committed to pursuing appropriate actions and measures in accordance with its regulations and applicable law," the BCB said in a statement on February 3.

However, on Sunday (February 8), Alam's legal counsel, Mahbub & Company, said the outcome was not fully satisfactory.

"Ms. Alam notes that the inquiry process has reportedly concluded and that the report has been submitted to the BCB as per the BCB's media release dated February 4, 2026. She expresses her gratitude to the Independent Inquiry Committee for officially concluding the investigation. While this is a positive procedural development and Ms. Alam is relieved, it must be emphasised that she, as the complainant, has not been formally informed of the outcome, nor has she been provided with a copy of the Inquiry Committee's report or any portion thereof, despite being entitled to such information," the statement said.

"According to the BCB's media release, the Inquiry Committee examined four specific allegations, finding two unsubstantiated and prima facie evidence in respect of the remaining two allegations against the then selector and manager, Md Monjurul Islam. However, the release does not specify which allegations were substantiated, nor does it provide the factual basis for these conclusions. This lack of transparency is disappointing given the serious nature of the allegations," it added.

"Following the BCB's media release, Ms. Alam communicated with the BCB via email seeking clarification on the inquiry report. The Board responded that the media release followed standard procedure and that its Legal Team is reviewing the report before any lawful disclosure. However, despite her request, the Board has not confirmed whether or when the report will be provided. While the BCB has stated in email correspondence that the Inquiry Committee was formed on its own initiative, Ms. Alam clarifies that it was established specifically to investigate her formal sexual harassment complaint. Regardless of the origin of the committee, she is entitled to the final report," the statement said.

"Ms. Alam reiterates that any process addressing allegations of this gravity must be transparent, fair and victim-centric. At a minimum, she must be formally informed of the findings, provided with the relevant portions of the report, and clearly advised of the concrete actions the BCB intends to take in response to the Inquiry Committee's conclusions," it said, adding that further steps will be considered once the report and the Board's decisions are formally communicated to her.