SPORTS REPORTER

The Independent Inquiry Committee formed to examine allegations raised by former Bangladesh women’s team captain Jahanara Alam has found prima facie evidence of inappropriate conduct by former selector and team manager Monjurul Islam.

The committee -- chaired by Justice Tariq ul Hakim, former judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh -- examined four specific allegations made by Jahanara. While two allegations could not be substantiated, the remaining two were found to have evidence of misconduct upon initial examination.

Following the findings, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has engaged its legal team to take appropriate action in line with its zero-tolerance policy on harassment and misconduct.

“The committee noted behaviour inconsistent with professional standards, and observed that certain actions fell within the definition of misconduct and harassment under the applicable guidelines of the Supreme Court,” stated the BCB press release, provided yesterday.

“The board is committed to pursuing appropriate actions and measures in accordance with its regulations and applicable law,” it added.

The BCB also announced the formation of a Complaint Committee, headed by Rubaba Dowla, BCB director and chairperson of the Women’s Wing Committee.

“Simultaneously, the BCB has strengthened its institutional safeguards through the adoption of a BCB Complaint Committee in accordance with the High Court Division’s 2009 judgment,” the statement further read.

“In addition, the committee has been entrusted with working towards the establishment of an independent complaint mechanism and the implementation of mandatory awareness training to ensure a safe and respectful environment across Bangladesh cricket.”

The inquiry process had faced several delays. Last year, after Jahanara had alleged in a YouTube interview with journalist Riasad Azim that she received indecent proposals from members of the national team management during the 2022 ICC Women’s World Cup, soon BCB initially formed a three-member committee on November 8 -- later expanded to five members on November 12. On December 2, the board announced that the report was expected by December 20. However, in a press release on December 21, BCB confirmed it had formally received Jahanara’s complaint and granted the committee an extension until January 31. The report was ultimately submitted to board president Aminul Islam Bulbul on February 2.

Jahanara had accused Monjurul of ruining her career in national colours because she did not accept his advances. She also named the late Towhid Mahmood and another board official, Sarfaraz Babu, as having approached her with indecent proposals.