Bangladeshi cricketer Jahangara Alam has accused former national women’s team selector and manager Monjurul Islam of sexual harassment during the 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup, prompting the Bangladesh Cricket Board to form an investigation committee.
In a YouTube interview on Thursday, Jahangara claimed that Monjurul Islam approached her, placed his hand on her shoulder, and asked about her menstrual cycle, saying, “How many days has your period been going on? When your period ends, tell me, I also need to check. When your period ends, come when I call.” She also alleged that during some World Cup matches, he avoided standard handshakes and hugged her instead.
Monjurul, who is currently in China, denied the allegations, telling AFP, “It is all false. You can ask the other girls in the team.”
Following the claims, the Bangladesh Cricket Board issued a statement late on Thursday night expressing concern over the allegations and confirming that an independent investigation committee has been established to examine the matter.
Bangladesh’s sports adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan said on Friday that his office has contacted the player and, as the allegations constitute a criminal offence, the government will ensure the highest priority is given and that any guilty party faces exemplary punishment.
Bhuiyan added that sexual harassment poses a serious threat to the sporting community, noting that such incidents are not new and have been reported in other sports, and stressed that authorities must act to prevent such behaviour.
