‘Jahanara’s allegations are serious’: says Tamim, wants probe free of BCB involvement

On Thursday, in an interview given to a YouTube channel, former captain Jahanara Alam alleged that she had been a victim of sexual harassment during her time with the national team. According to her, former women's team selector Monjurul Islam and the late Touhid Mahmud, who was the former in-charge of the women's wing, had sexually harassed her.

Jahanara further claimed that several former and current coaching staff members and players of the national team had played a role in "destroying" her career. She also alleged that despite informing the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) of these incidents in detail, no action had been taken.

Following the allegations, the BCB announced that an investigation committee would be formed. The committee has been instructed to submit its report within 15 working days.

Meanwhile, Jahanara's allegations have sparked an uproar in the country's cricket arena. On his verified Facebook page, former men's team captain Tamim Iqbal shared a status regarding the issue. His post is quoted below in full:

Tamim wrote from his account, "The allegations made by Jahanara Alam are all extremely serious, and if any of them are true, they are absolutely unacceptable. Not only because she is a national cricketer or a former captain, but such behaviour towards any cricketer at any level, or any athlete from any sport—or any woman whatsoever—can never be tolerated."

He further wrote, "Although the BCB has formed an investigation committee, I believe a separate, independent committee should be formed at the level of the National Sports Council or the government to look into these allegations—one that does not include anyone associated with the BCB. This would ensure that there is no scope for bias. The committee should be formed as soon as possible, and the matter should be treated with the utmost seriousness. The investigation must be completed swiftly, and whoever is found guilty, regardless of their position or influence, must face appropriate and exemplary action.

A few days ago, Jahanara also made some allegations about the environment within the national team, which the BCB promptly dismissed. When a cricketer raises such serious concerns about the team, those should certainly be investigated. But the way the BCB hastily brushed them aside without any scrutiny is unacceptable."

Urging other players who may have faced similar incidents to speak out, Tamim wrote, "After Jahanara's allegations, I have been hearing about several other incidents through various sources. I urge every woman cricketer who has ever faced such behaviour—whether directly or indirectly, in any form of harassment—to come forward and speak up with courage. This is necessary for the sake of the country's cricket, for our sporting community, and for the interests of current and future generations. I promise that you will find me—and us—by your side.

If proper action is not taken in response to Jahanara's allegations, if justice is not ensured, then in the future, girls will be afraid to take up cricket or any sport as a profession. We cannot allow that to happen."