Former captain of the Bangladesh women’s cricket team Jahanara Alam has accused former national women’s team selector Manjurul Islam of sexual harassment, an allegation he has strongly denied.
In a recent conversation with a sports journalist, Jahanara shared her experiences, alleging that Manjurul Islam behaved inappropriately with her on multiple occasions. “One day he came up to me, placed his hand on my shoulder, and asked, ‘How many days has your period been going on?’ Then he said, ‘Let me know when it ends; I have to check on that too,“ she recounted.
She also claimed that during the Women’s World Cup, instead of shaking hands in the post-match lineup, Manjurul would hug the players.
Currently working as head coach of the China women’s cricket team, Manjurul Islam dismissed all allegations as false, telling AFP, “All the allegations are completely false. You can ask the other girls in the team if you want.”
Following the revelation, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced that an investigation committee will be formed to look into the allegations. The board said appropriate measures will be taken after verifying the authenticity of the claims.
Speaking on the matter, Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan told the media, “We have also contacted Jahanara. If she wishes to take legal action, the government will treat the issue with utmost importance. Since this is a criminal offence, exemplary action will be taken.”
The BCB stated that once the investigation committee begins its work, the findings will be made public through an official announcement.
NSA
