Former Bangladesh women’s cricket captain Jahanara Alam has broken her silence, detailing disturbing allegations of harassment and indecent proposals from national team management during the 2022 ICC Women’s World Cup. Alam, now living in Australia for mental health reasons, claims former player Manjurul Islam, who held roles as a selector and manager, subjected her to unwanted advances. She alleges Manjurul Islam actively hindered her career progression after she rejected his advances.
Further accusations point to the late Towhid Mahmud, who allegedly attempted to approach Alam through BCB employee Sarfaraz Babu. Alam also stated that the then head of the women’s committee, Nadel Chowdhury, failed to intervene, and Bangladesh Cricket Board CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury allegedly did not act upon being informed of the misconduct.
Speaking on a YouTube channel, Alam revealed that she faced these situations multiple times but feared jeopardizing her career if she spoke out. “When it comes to your bread and butter, you cannot say or protest many things,” she explained. The 31-year-old veteran pacer has chosen to speak now to prevent future generations of female cricketers from enduring similar experiences. “I will speak so that maybe 10 more girls will want to return safely,” she stated.
The alleged first incident occurred in 2021 when Towhid Mahmud reportedly conveyed an indirect proposal via Sarfaraz Babu. Alam claims she feigned misunderstanding to avoid the situation, which subsequently led to what she described as Manjurul Islam’s “bad behavior” and mistreatment. She later submitted an “Observation Letter” to the BCB CEO documenting these events.
During the 2022 World Cup in New Zealand, Alam alleges Manjurul Islam made further advances, including unwelcome physical contact and intrusive comments about her menstrual cycle. She described instances where he would “grab any girl’s shoulder” and speak closely near their ears. The cricketer recounted his disturbing questions about her period, implying it should have ended sooner and linking it to his own ‘oversight’. Alam consistently responded by stating she didn’t understand his remarks.
Manjurul Islam has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them “baseless.” Sarfaraz Babu also refuted the claims, urging Alam to provide proof and expressing dismay at her referencing a deceased individual. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has acknowledged the gravity of the situation and indicated that an investigation may be launched if deemed necessary.
