The BCB investigation report has been submitted to the board following allegations of misconduct in women’s cricket raised by former captain Jahanara Alam.
BCB Investigation Report: What the Committee Found
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has received the investigation report into allegations of sexual misconduct raised in women’s cricket by former national captain Jahanara Alam, a member of the inquiry committee confirmed on Monday.
Jahanara had earlier alleged that she was sexually assaulted by a member of the team management, prompting the BCB to form an independent committee to investigate the matter.
Inquiry committee composition expanded
The investigation committee was initially announced with former Appellate Division judge Justice Tariq Ul Hakim as chair, along with BCB director Rubaba Dowla and senior Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Sarwat Siraj Shukla, who also serves as president of the Women’s Sports Association.
The board later expanded the panel by adding Professor Dr Naima Huq, a member of the Bangladesh Law Commission and former chair of the Law Department at the University of Dhaka, as well as senior advocate Barrister Muhammed Mustafizur Rahman Khan.
Report submitted after multiple deadline extensions
Barrister Sarwat Siraj Shukla confirmed that the committee has now submitted its report to the board. The investigation timeline had been extended several times since the committee’s formation.
In early December, the BCB said the deadline was pushed back after Jahanara requested additional time to submit a written complaint. The board later stated that the committee would submit its findings by January 31.
High Court seeks explanation from BCB
The submission of the report came hours after the High Court of Bangladesh issued a rule questioning the BCB’s handling of the investigation.
A bench comprising Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar asked the board to explain why its alleged inaction and silence in the matter should not be declared illegal. The court has also directed the BCB to inform it of the steps taken, or planned, in response to the allegations.
Court stresses accountability and transparency
During the hearing of a writ petition, lawyers argued that prolonged inaction by authorities could discourage victims from coming forward in similar cases. The court observed that ensuring transparency and accountability is the responsibility of every institution, including sports bodies.
The bench noted that allegations of this nature must be treated with seriousness to maintain trust, justice, and institutional integrity.
