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High Court Pulls Up Bangladesh Cricket Board on Sexual Harassment Safeguards
The High Court has expressed disapproval of the BCB's approach to the sexual harassment of female cricketers. The court has issued an order asking why the board's failure to provide a safe and gender-sensitive environment for female cricketers should not be declared illegal and against public interest.
The Bangladesh High Court has raised some serious concerns regarding the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) attitude towards female cricket players, particularly regarding issues of sexual harassment. The High Court has issued a directive asking why the BCB and other officials' failure to provide a safe environment for female cricket players should not be deemed illegal, without legal authority, and against public interest.
According to a report in Bangladeshi media outlet Daily Star, the High Court also ordered the BCB to immediately implement its anti-sexual harassment policy, in accordance with earlier court orders. Until the matter is decided, the board must submit a report detailing the steps it has taken to implement these measures.
The directive has come on a writ petition filed by former national shooter Sabrina Sultana. The High Court bench of Justices Ahmed Sohel and Fatima Anwar passed the directive after hearing the writ petition filed by the victim. According to the victim's lawyer, Nasiruddin Ahmed Asim, allegations of sexual harassment were leveled against Jahanara Alam, the former captain of the Bangladesh women's cricket team.
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Following the complaint, the BCB formed an independent three-member inquiry committee, which was later expanded to five members. However, no report has been made public yet. According to reports, the board twice delayed submitting the committee's findings. The report was due on January 31st, but it is still unclear whether it has been submitted. This delay and lack of transparency have led to dissatisfaction with the way the matter was handled.
These concerns prompted Sabrina Sultana to approach the High Court seeking concrete directions to ensure the safety and accountability of female athletes. Following an initial hearing, the court issued both rules and an interim order.
