Time for BCB to introduce gender-sensitivity training: Rights activists on Sakib controversy | The Business Standard
Skip to main content
  • Epaper
  • Economy
    • Aviation
    • Banking
    • Bazaar
    • Budget
    • Industry
    • NBR
    • RMG
    • Corporates
  • Stocks
  • Analysis
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
The Business Standard

Saturday
May 24, 2025

Sign In
Subscribe
  • Epaper
  • Economy
    • Aviation
    • Banking
    • Bazaar
    • Budget
    • Industry
    • NBR
    • RMG
    • Corporates
  • Stocks
  • Analysis
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2025
Time for BCB to introduce gender-sensitivity training: Rights activists on Sakib controversy

Panorama

Jannatul Naym Pieal
18 September, 2023, 08:35 pm
Last modified: 18 September, 2023, 09:31 pm

Related News

  • Three days stuck at the airport: Rishad and Nahid finally join team in UAE
  • Bangladesh to tour UAE as scheduled for two T20Is
  • BCB monitoring security of Bangladesh players in PSL
  • ‘Do you think I’d be here if I were a fascist?’ — BCB president hits back at critics over financial scrutiny
  • No place in the board for those who ignore their own districts: Tamim

Time for BCB to introduce gender-sensitivity training: Rights activists on Sakib controversy

Sakib’s derogatory comments didn’t go down well with the country’s civil society, who have been actively calling for appropriate measures. Some have even demanded the removal of the cricketer from the national set-up

Jannatul Naym Pieal
18 September, 2023, 08:35 pm
Last modified: 18 September, 2023, 09:31 pm
Illustration: TBS
Illustration: TBS

Bangladesh's emerging cricketer Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who made a remarkable debut against India on Friday and helped his team successfully defend 12 runs in the final over, has been the talk of the town due to the resurfacing of some of his old Facebook posts that undermine women and disregard the importance of women's rights to education and empowerment. 

In one of his posts, Sakib expressed: "If the wife works (outside home), the husband's rights are not fulfilled; if the wife works, the child's rights are not fulfilled; if the wife works, her charm is lost; if the wife works, the family is destroyed; if the wife works, the screen is destroyed; if the wife works, the society is destroyed."

In another post, he wrote: "Marrying a girl who is used to the free-mixing hangouts of university life means you will never be able to provide a dignified mother for your child."

Photo: Collected
Photo: Collected

However, none of these posts can be seen on his verified Facebook account any longer, as he has either removed them or changed their privacy setting. Still, such derogatory comments didn't go down well with the country's civil society, who have been actively calling for appropriate measures to be taken in response to the cricketer's past remarks. Some have even gone to the extent of demanding the removal of the cricketer from the national set-up. 

The Business Standard Google News Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel

Photo: Collected
Photo: Collected

Suborna Mustafa, legendary actor and also a current Member of Parliament, said that the comments made by Sakib were not only insulting to women, but also to the entire human race. She reckons it is high time the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) took necessary steps against him.

"I firmly believe that the BCB should treat this issue with the utmost seriousness and demand a public apology from the cricketer. If he refuses to apologise, I advocate for a lifetime ban from cricket," Mustafa told The Business Standard.

"This is even more unacceptable owing to the fact that ours is a country which has a female Prime Minister, female opposition leader and a female speaker. It's also crucial to remember that our country's independence was achieved through the sacrifices of two lakh women," she added. 

The 'Kothao Keu Nei'-famed actor also emphasised the need for the BCB to implement a comprehensive 'background checking' process before allowing any cricketer to represent the nation at the highest level.

Meanwhile, Robaet Ferdous, professor of Mass Communication and Journalism at Dhaka University, believes Sakib's comments shouldn't be taken lightly for the sake of freedom of speech. 

"Certainly, every citizen in our nation should enjoy freedom of speech, but there are limits to it. They cannot demean individuals from different races or genders, as stipulated in Article 39 of our Constitution," said Ferdous. 

Sabrena Sultana Choudhury, associate professor in the same department, also weighed in on the fact that national figures harbouring such attitudes can have a profoundly negative impact on the country's young generation.

"When a public figure voices an opinion, it transcends personal views.  If we, the general people, say something, they don't carry much weight, but when influential figures with a substantial following express unacceptable sentiments, they propagate them among a larger audience," Choudhury observed.

'If the wife works, the society is destroyed': Delving deep into the maze of misogyny

She further commented, "On one hand, we are advocating for progress and development, but on the other hand, our collective mindset seems to be regressing. A 20-year-old displaying signs of misogyny and religious fundamentalism is deeply concerning. This mindset is contrary to our cultural values from the past. It serves as a stark reminder that our nation may be heading in the wrong direction."

Ranjana Huda, a communications specialist, voiced similar concerns and characterised Sakib's comments as thoughtless. She proposed that the BCB should tackle the matter by engaging in a direct conversation with the cricketer.

"They ought to engage with the cricketer and gauge his response," she recommended. "If he remains steadfast in his views even after this dialogue, then he may not be suitable for a spot on the national team."

Jahanara Khatun, program manager at Naripokkho, said, "In order to shift this kind of mindset, it is crucial for the top leadership of the BCB to have a clear understanding of the issue. They must instil within their organisation a culture of 'respecting women' as a fundamental practice. Most importantly, they should compel the cricketer to issue a formal apology for his derogatory comments."

However, human rights activist Farida Akhter takes a more compassionate approach towards Sakib, viewing the cricketer as a product of the broader system. She asserts that the primary focus should be on fixing the system itself.

"Keep in mind, he [Sakib] is only 20 years old. His beliefs and attitudes have been shaped by our education system and influenced by the state's actions," Akhter noted.  "So, it's unrealistic to expect better from him alone. Instead of holding him solely accountable, I place the responsibility on the system, and it's the system that needs to undergo positive change," she added.

It's disheartening to see a 20-year-old express such views. However, it's essential to consider his lack of experience and youth as significant factors. By offering gender-sensitive education and creating a gender-sensitive environment, there is potential for positive growth in his perspective

In a recent research conducted by Dr Sayed Saikh Imtiaz, a professor at the Department of Women & Gender Studies at the University of Dhaka, presented during the 8th SRHR Knowledge Fair 2023, jointly organised by Share-Net Bangladesh and Aspire to Innovate (a2i), and supported by UNDP, several concerning statistics were unveiled.

The study indicated that 61.65% of boys under the age of 18 have been exposed to child pornography. Furthermore, 56.65% believe in men having the final say in family decisions, 57.45% have contemplated using force to fulfil their sexual desires, and a significant 66.2% concur that women should not frequently leave their homes.

"We may discuss the importance of empowering women, but that alone isn't sufficient," emphasised Dr Imtiaz. "We must also focus on shaping the mindset of young boys, who will grow into adults sharing their lives with empowered women."

Drawing from a recent conversation with an American colleague, Dr Imtiaz highlighted that issues of gender equality persist even in countries like the USA within the realm of sports. However, he noted that gender-related workshops for athletes are held to provide proper education.

Dr Imtiaz and Ferdous both advocate for similar practices in Bangladesh. Ferdous cited examples of gender workshops at Sharda Police Academy and stressed the importance of implementing such programs for cricketers, footballers, volleyball players, and all other athletes representing Bangladesh on the global stage.

"It's disheartening to see a 20-year-old express such views. However, it's essential to consider his lack of experience and youth as significant factors," Ferdous remarked. "By offering gender-sensitive education and creating a gender-sensitive environment, there is potential for positive growth in his perspective," he concluded.

We tried to reach out to the top BCB officials to obtain their perspectives on the entire matter and inquire about any potential actions against the cricketer. 

"The issue has been brought to our notice. BCB's cricket operations chairman Jalal Younus will officially address the issue before the media on Tuesday (19 September)," BCB's media committee chairman Tanvir Ahmed informed The Business Standard.

Features / Top News

Tanzim Hasan Sakib / controversy / Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) / BCB

Comments

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.

Top Stories

  • BNP senior leaders and CA at Jamuna on 24 May evening. Photo: CA Press Wing
    Talks with CA: BNP calls for swift completion of reforms for elections in Dec, removal of 'controversial' advisers
  • Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman and Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher meet Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on 24 May. Photo: CA Press Wing
    Jamaat in favour of elections by Feb or just after Ramadan: Ameer Shafiqur
  • A six-member delegation, led by Convener Nahid Islam, met Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House, Jamuna on 24 May 2025. Photo: CA Press Wing
    Talks with CA: NCP seek specific roadmap for elections, reforms and justice

MOST VIEWED

  • Five political parties hold meeting at the office of Inslami Andolan on 22 May 2025. Photo: Courtesy
    5 parties, including NCP and Jamaat, agree to support Yunus-led govt to hold polls after reforms
  • The Advisory Council of the interim government holds a meeting at the state guest house Jamuna in Dhaka on 10 May 2025. Photo: PID
    What CA Yunus discussed with Advisory Council about 'resignation'
  • Representational image/Wikipedia
    Bangladesh cancels $21 million deal with Indian shipbuilding firm: Reports
  • Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus presides over a meeting of ECNEC at the Planning Commission office on 24 May 2025. Photo: CA Press Wing
    CA Yunus is not resigning; we are not leaving: Planning adviser after closed-door meeting
  • Faiz Ahmad Tayeb. Photo: BSS
    CA Yunus will not resign: Special Assistant Taiyeb
  • Infographic: TBS
    Dhaka's traffic crisis needs $59b solution by 2045, estimates new strategy

Related News

  • Three days stuck at the airport: Rishad and Nahid finally join team in UAE
  • Bangladesh to tour UAE as scheduled for two T20Is
  • BCB monitoring security of Bangladesh players in PSL
  • ‘Do you think I’d be here if I were a fascist?’ — BCB president hits back at critics over financial scrutiny
  • No place in the board for those who ignore their own districts: Tamim

Features

The well has a circular opening, approximately ten feet wide. It is inside the house once known as Shakti Oushadhaloy. Photo: Saleh Shafique

The last well in Narinda: A water source older and purer than Wasa

1d | Panorama
The way you drape your shari often depends on your blouse; with different blouses, the style can be adapted accordingly.

Different ways to drape your shari

1d | Mode
Shantana posing with the students of Lalmonirhat Taekwondo Association (LTA), which she founded with the vision of empowering rural girls through martial arts. Photo: Courtesy

They told her not to dream. Shantana decided to become a fighter instead

3d | Panorama
Football presenter Gary Lineker walks outside his home, after resigning from the BBC after 25 years of presenting Match of the Day, in London, Britain. Photo: Reuters

Gary Lineker’s fallout once again exposes Western media’s selective moral compass on Palestine

3d | Features

More Videos from TBS

NCP Insists on Clear Election Plan, Reforms, and Justice

NCP Insists on Clear Election Plan, Reforms, and Justice

1h | Podcast
What are the thoughts of BNP and other political parties on the capital market?

What are the thoughts of BNP and other political parties on the capital market?

2h | TBS Today
News of The Day, 24 MAY 2025

News of The Day, 24 MAY 2025

2h | TBS News of the day
90 days are coming to an end, Trump's hopes have not been fulfilled

90 days are coming to an end, Trump's hopes have not been fulfilled

13m | Others
EMAIL US
contact@tbsnews.net
FOLLOW US
WHATSAPP
+880 1847416158
The Business Standard
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Advertisement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Comment Policy
Copyright © 2025
The Business Standard All rights reserved
Technical Partner: RSI Lab

Contact Us

The Business Standard

Main Office -4/A, Eskaton Garden, Dhaka- 1000

Phone: +8801847 416158 - 59

Send Opinion articles to - oped.tbs@gmail.com

For advertisement- sales@tbsnews.net