Bangladesh Pacer Jahanara Alam Alleges Sexual Harassment
Jahanara Alam, a Bangladesh pace bowler, has accused former cricketer and team official Manjurul Islam of sexual harassment during the 2022 Women’s ODI World Cup. She claims that Manjurul, who served as the women’s selector and team manager, hindered her career because she rejected his inappropriate advances.
Details of the Allegations
Alam revealed that she faced multiple indecent proposals while involved with the national team but felt unable to speak out due to the risk to her career and reputation. She shared her experience on the Riasat Azim YouTube channel:
“I faced several times (indecent proposal), not once. Definitely, when we are involved with the team, we cannot speak out about many things, even if we want to. When it comes to your bread and butter, when you are known by a few people, you cannot say or protest many things even if you want to."
Additional Accusations and Lack of Support
Jahanara also accused the late Towhid Mahmud of making a proposal indirectly through BCB employee Sarfaraz Babu in 2021. She expressed frustration that former women’s committee head Nadel Chowdhury did not act to stop Manjurul’s harassment. Furthermore, she claimed that Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury ignored her complaints.
“In 2021, Towhid Bhai approached me through Babu Bhai (Coordinator Sarfaraz Babu). I’ve said this many times before. I don’t know why they misbehaved with me. I tried hard to stay quiet and focus on cricket."
Possible Investigation
The Bangladesh Cricket Board is reportedly considering an investigation into these serious allegations.
Author’s Summary
Jahanara Alam’s brave disclosure exposes troubling misconduct within Bangladesh women’s cricket management, highlighting a need for thorough investigation and cultural change.