BCB engages legal team after inquiry into Jahanara Alam allegations

Bangladesh Cricket Board announced on Wednesday that they have engaged their legal team to address the inquiry committee findings in line with the BCB's zero-tolerance policy on harassment and misconduct.

The committee found prima facie evidence of inappropriate conduct by the then selector and manager of the Bangladesh women's team, Monjurul Islam, in Jahanara Alam's sexual assault allegations.

BCB received the inquiry committee report on January 3, hours after the High Court issued a rule over BCB's silent role in the probe into the cricketer's allegations.

"The Committee examined four specific allegations made by Jahanara Alam. Two of these allegations were not substantiated by the available evidence. With regard to the remaining two allegations, 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 30 June 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," BCB said in a statement.

"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," it said.

Simultaneously, the BCB has strengthened its institutional safeguards through the adoption of a BCB Complaint Committee in accordance with the High Court Division's 2009 judgment. The committee is headed by BCB Director and Chairperson of the Women's Wing Committee, Rubaba Dowla. The committee has also been entrusted with working towards establishing an independent complaint mechanism and implementing mandatory awareness training.

Earlier, upon becoming aware of the allegations, the BCB immediately initiated the formation of a five-member independent inquiry committee in November 2025. Justice Tariq Ul Hakim, former Judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, was appointed Chairman of the committee. The report was completed on 31 January 2026 and formally handed over to the President of the BCB on 2 February 2026.