The High Court has issued a show cause notice over the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s silence in a sexual harassment complaint involving Jahanara Alam.
A High Court Division bench passed the order on Monday afternoon. The bench included Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar. The court issued the show cause notice after hearing a writ petition.
The court asked the Bangladesh Cricket Board to explain why its inaction in the Jahanara Alam matter should not be declared illegal. It said the board must respond to the show cause notice.
The High Court also directed the board to inform the court about what steps it has taken or plans to take on the issue. The judges said silence from authorities in such cases weakens justice. It also stops victims and others from coming forward due to fear and lack of trust.
In its observation, the court stressed transparency and accountability. It said every institution must ensure this duty. This includes educational bodies, workplaces, hospitals, factories, and sports organisations. The court said such complaints must always be handled with seriousness.
Jahanara Alam raised the allegation in November last year. She accused Manjurul Islam, a former national team cricketer and former selector manager of the women’s team, of sexual harassment.
Following the complaint, the Bangladesh Cricket Board formed investigation committees. The board also extended the inquiry deadline several times. On 2 December, it gave the committee 15 more days after Jahanara Alam sought time to submit a written complaint.
Later, on 21 December, the board said an independent investigation committee would submit its report by 31 January.
