BCB receives investigation report on sexual misconduct allegation

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has received the investigation report into allegations of misconduct in women's cricket raised by former national captain Jahanara Alam. A member of the five-member inquiry committee confirmed the report's submission to Cricbuzz on Monday.

Committee Composition:

• Initially chaired by Justice Tariq ul Hakim, former judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court.
• Included BCB Director Rubaba Dowla and senior Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Sarwat Siraj Shukla.
• Later expanded to include Professor Dr. Naima Huq and Barrister Muhammed Mustafizur Rahman Khan.

Timeline and Delays:

• The BCB extended the investigation deadline multiple times.
• On December 2, Jahanara Alam was granted an additional 15 days to submit a written complaint.
• On December 21, the committee's report submission was set for January 31.

High Court Involvement:

• Hours before the report was received, the High Court issued a rule questioning the BCB's "silent role" in the probe.
• A bench of Justices Ahmed Sohel and Fatema Anwar ordered the BCB to show cause as to why its indifference and inaction should not be declared illegal.
• The court directed the BCB to inform it of the steps taken or to be taken regarding the allegations.

Legal Stance:

• The writ petition argued that institutional silence deters victims from coming forward and hinders justice.
• The court emphasized that ensuring transparency and accountability is the responsibility of all institutions, including sports bodies, and such allegations must be treated with utmost seriousness.