A Bangladeshi cricket fan waves his national flag (Reuters Photo) Bangladesh women’s cricketer Rabeya Khan (Photo: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)A Bangladeshi cricket fan waves his national flag (Reuters Photo) Bangladesh women’s cricketer Rabeya Khan (Photo: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)A Bangladeshi cricket fan waves his national flag (Reuters Photo) NEW DELHI: The Bangladesh High Court has raised serious questions about the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s handling of the safety of female players, especially in cases involving sexual harassment. On Monday, the court issued a rule asking why the failure of the BCB and relevant authorities to provide a safe and gender-sensitive environment for women cricketers should not be declared “illegal, without statutory authority and against public interest”.
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According to a report by Bangladeshi media Daily Star, the court also ordered BCB to immediately follow its anti-sexual harassment policy in line with earlier court directions. 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 Sultan. Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar, judges of the Supreme Court, approved the directive after hearing the petition.According to the petitioner’s lawyer, Barrister Nasiruddin Ahmed Asim, allegations of sexual harassment have been leveled against Jahanara Alam, the former captain of the Bangladesh women’s cricket team. Based on the complaint, the BCB formed a three-member independent commission of inquiry, which was later expanded to five members. However, no report has been released yet.The BCB has reportedly twice delayed submitting the committee’s findings. The report was supposed to be submitted on January 31, but it is still unclear whether it was submitted at all. This delay and lack of transparency led to dissatisfaction with how the matter was handled.Because of these concerns, Sabrina Sultana approached the Supreme Court seeking firm guidelines to protect female athletes and ensure accountability. After the initial hearing, the court issued an order and a preliminary injunction.
