The country’s cricket arena has been stirred by former women’s team captain Jahanara Alam’s allegations of sexual harassment. Former national team captain Tamim Iqbal already demanded an investigation and exemplary punishment through a Facebook post. Now, another former national team captain, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, has spoken up about the issue on Facebook.
On Friday (November 7), Mashrafe wrote on his verified Facebook page that he hopes the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, and take appropriate action if the allegations are proven true.
Mashrafe wrote:
“I hope the BCB will take each of Jahanara Alam’s allegations seriously, for the sake of Bangladesh cricket and the entire sports community. The investigation committee should work independently, free from any influence, and if the allegations are found to be true, the responsible persons must face proper action — so that such incidents do not happen again in the future.”
At the end of his post, Mashrafe also called for a “safe sporting environment”, saying:
“Our expectation is that Bangladesh’s sports arena remains safe for everyone.”
It should be noted that on Thursday (November 6), in an interview with a YouTube channel, Jahanara Alam accused former selector Manjurul Islam of sexual harassment. She also pointed fingers at several others, including the late Towhid Mahmud, former in-charge of the women’s division.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has already announced that strict action will be taken regarding the allegations. A special investigation committee will be formed, and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has also assured that all necessary steps will be taken.
