Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: The Bangladesh High Court has raised serious questions over the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s handling of women players’ safety, especially in cases linked to sexual harassment. On Monday, the court issued a rule asking why the failure of the BCB and concerned authorities to provide a safe and gender-sensitive environment for women cricketers should not be declared “unlawful, without lawful authority, and against public interest.”
According to a report from Bangladesh-based media outlet Daily Star, the court also ordered the BCB to immediately follow its anti-sexual harassment policy in line with earlier court guidelines. Until the case is decided, the board must submit a report explaining what steps it has taken to implement these measures.The order came after a writ petition filed by former national shooter Sabrina Sultana. The High Court bench of Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar passed the directive after hearing the petition.According to the petitioner’s lawyer, Barrister Nasiruddin Ahmed Asim, allegations of sexual harassment were raised involving Jahanara Alam, the former captain of the Bangladesh women’s cricket team. Following the complaint, the BCB formed a three-member independent inquiry committee, which was later expanded to five members. However, no report has been made public so far.The BCB reportedly delayed submitting the committee’s findings twice. The report was due on January 31, but there is still no clarity on whether it has been submitted at all. This delay and lack of transparency led to dissatisfaction over how the matter was handled.Because of these concerns, Sabrina Sultana approached the High Court, seeking firm directions to protect women athletes and ensure accountability. After an initial hearing, the court issued both the rule and the interim order.
