Dhaka, Nov 7 (NationPress) The head of the women’s division of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, Abdur Razzak, announced on Friday that they will conduct a thorough investigation into the recent claims made by former national captain Jahanara Alam regarding her experience of sexual harassment during the 2022 World Cup. They will collaborate with government law enforcement agencies to ensure a comprehensive probe, as per reports.

The allegations raised by Jahanara during an exclusive interview with Riasat Azim on his YouTube channel have stirred significant concern within the country’s sports community. The BCB has decided to establish an investigation committee in response to widespread criticism from various sectors, the report noted.

“This issue is being treated with utmost seriousness. Our focus is on conducting a meticulous investigation, as it pertains not only to one cricketer but also to the integrity of women’s cricket in general,” Razzak stated to Telecom Asia Sport on Friday.

“We will determine the necessary actions moving forward. Currently, our BCB president, Bulbul (Aminul Islam), is overseas. Upon his return, we will convene to discuss our next steps,” he added.

“If needed, we will enlist the assistance of government agencies to ensure a thorough examination of the situation. It’s crucial that women’s cricket is played in a secure environment; otherwise, the future of the sport is jeopardized as families may hesitate to allow their daughters to pursue cricket,” he emphasized.

The 32-year-old bowler, who is presently in Australia, accused former women’s wing selector and manager Manjurul Islam of sexually harassing her during the 2022 Women’s World Cup in South Africa.

Jahanara reported that Manjurul made an inappropriate proposal, and upon her refusal, he began to misbehave. She also claimed that Sarfaraz Babu, a member of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, approached her on behalf of the late Towhid Mahmud.

She alleged that Manjurul engaged in inappropriate physical conduct, frequently hugging or pressing female players against him under the guise of encouragement, which she found unsettling, the report indicated.

Having taken 48 ODI wickets and 60 in T20s across 135 white-ball matches for her nation, Jahanara noted that she had previously reached out to the Bangladesh Cricket Board regarding her concerns, but no action was taken despite her requests for an investigation.

Bangladesh's sports advisor, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, stated that the government would provide full support to Jahanara and ensure that those responsible for her harassment are held accountable.