HC seeks BCB response on sexual harassment allegation of cricketer Jahanara, issues rule

The High Court has asked the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to explain what steps it has taken following allegations of sexual harassment involving former Bangladesh women's cricket team captain Jahanara Alam.

At the same time, the court issued a rule asking why the inaction and failure of the BCB and other relevant authorities to ensure a safe, harassment-free and gender-sensitive sporting environment for women cricketers should not be declared unlawful.

The order was passed today (2 February) by a High Court bench comprising Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar after hearing a writ petition.

While the rule remains pending, the court directed the BCB to implement its sexual harassment prevention policy in line with existing High Court guidelines. The board has also been asked to submit an implementation report to the court.

Following the order, the writ petitioner's lawyer, Barrister Nasir Uddin Ahmed Asim, told journalists that the High Court issued the rule and directives in response to a public interest writ petition. He said the court specifically sought to know what action the BCB had taken regarding the allegations of abuse raised by Jahanara Alam last year.

"Under an earlier High Court verdict, all institutions are required to have committees to prevent sexual harassment. The court wants to know how the BCB's committee has acted in cases involving such allegations," he added.