The Bangladesh High Court has raised questions on the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) regarding the safety of players in women’s cricket following allegations of sexual harassment. Notably, the BCB has received an investigation report related to the complaints raised by former Bangladesh captain Jahanara Alam.
In November 2025, Jahanara said that she faced repeated harassment during her playing days. In a YouTube interview, the former Bangladesh captain revealed that she received indecent advances but decided not to speak publicly for years. He alleged that many officials tried to contact him through middlemen.
After extending the deadline several times, BCB submitted the investigation report.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board formed an inquiry committee to investigate the allegations. Initially, the board constituted a three-member panel led by Justice Tariq Ul Hakeem. The other two members were BCB director Rubaba Dowla and senior Supreme Court lawyer Sarwat Siraj Shukla.
Later, BCB added two more members, Naima Haq and Muhammad Mustafizur Rahman Khan, to the committee. Speaking to Cricbuzz on Monday, Shukla confirmed that the committee has submitted its report to the board.
BCB extended the deadline several times. On December 2, the board said it allowed an additional 15 days after Jahanara requested more time to submit her written complaint. On 21 December, BCB said that the committee would submit its report by 31 January.
Bangladesh High Court questions BCB on safety of women cricketers
On Monday, February 1, the Bangladesh High Court questioned the BCB’s role in ensuring a safe and gender-sensitive environment for women cricketers. The court asked why the failure of the Board and other authorities should not be declared illegal, without legal authority and against public interest.
The court also directed BCB to immediately comply with its anti-sexual harassment policy in line with earlier court guidelines, reports The Daily Star. The Board has been directed to submit a report detailing the steps taken to implement these measures.
Notably, the order was given following a writ petition filed by former national shooter Sabrina Sultana. The High Court bench of Justice Ahmed Sohail and Justice Fatima Anwar issued this direction after hearing the petition.
BCB’s investigation has increased after the court order
According to Cricbuzz, the Bangladesh Cricket Board received the investigation report soon after the court passed the order. The board has not said whether it will make the report public.
This development has increased the challenges facing BCB in the last few months. The board has been accused of working under the influence of the central government, even in situations where its own players reportedly did not agree.
With growing questions over court involvement and transparency and player welfare, there is increasing pressure on the BCB to explain its actions and restore confidence in decision-making.
Also read: Bangladesh launched Mini IPL, copied BCCI by ending A+ contracts after boycotting T20 World Cup.