Mixed findings in Jahanara Alam probe; BCB engages legal team

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has engaged its legal team following mixed findings from an Independent Inquiry Committee that investigated allegations raised by former Bangladesh women’s team captain Jahanara Alam.

The five-member committee, formed in November 2025, examined four allegations relating to incidents that occurred during the tenure of a previous BCB Board. 

While two of the allegations were not substantiated by the available evidence, the committee found prima facie evidence of inappropriate conduct in relation to the remaining two.

The inquiry committee was chaired by Justice Tariq Ul Hakim, a former judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, and included Professor Dr Naima Huq, a current member of the Law Commission of Bangladesh, Barrister Muhammed Mustafizur Rahman Khan, Barrister Sarwat Siraj Shukla and BCB Director Rubaba Dowla.

According to the committee’s findings, the prima facie evidence pointed to behaviour by the then selector and manager of the Bangladesh Women’s Team, Md Monjurul Islam, that was inconsistent with professional standards and fell within the definition of misconduct and harassment under the applicable Supreme Court guidelines. 

Monjurul Islam’s contractual tenure with the BCB ended on 30 June 2025.

In view of the committee’s report, which was completed on 31 January 2026 and formally handed over to the BCB President on 2 February 2026, the Board said it has engaged its legal team to address the findings in line with its zero-tolerance policy on harassment and misconduct, and in accordance with its regulations and applicable law.

The BCB noted that although the incidents reviewed took place during a previous board’s tenure, the present board initiated the inquiry immediately upon becoming aware of the allegations, emphasising its commitment to handling such matters fairly, transparently and responsibly.

Alongside the legal process, the BCB has moved to strengthen its institutional safeguards. The Board has adopted a Complaint Committee in line with the High Court Division’s 2009 judgment, with chairperson of the Women’s Wing Committee, Rubaba Dowla, appointed as its head.