BCB Ban Sparks Reckoning in Women’s Cricket

When the Bangladesh Cricket Board announced that it was banning former women’s national team selector and manager Monjurul Islam following an independent investigation into sexual harassment allegations, it did more than discipline a former official. It forced one of the country’s most beloved sporting institutions to confront uncomfortable questions about power, accountability and the safety of its athletes.

The allegations, brought forward by former Bangladesh women’s captain Jahanara Alam, trace back to the period around the 2022 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. Alam, one of the most respected figures in the women’s game, accused Monjurul of inappropriate behavior during official team duties. Her claims quickly moved beyond locker-room whispers and into the national conversation, discussed not only in mainstream media but across fan communities that follow cricket news, statistics and analysis on platforms including online betting sites বাংলাদেশ, where debates about the integrity of the sport often unfold in parallel.

The Independent Inquiry and Its Findings

In response, the BCB formed an Independent Inquiry Committee led by Justice Tariq Ul Hakim. The panel examined four separate allegations. Two could not be substantiated due to insufficient evidence. Two others, however, were found to have merit, with the committee determining that the conduct described did not meet professional standards and amounted to harassment. On the basis of those findings, the board barred Monjurul from any direct or indirect involvement in cricket activities under its jurisdiction.

Zero Tolerance and Due Process

The ban is sweeping. It prohibits him from coaching, selection work, team management and administrative roles connected to the BCB. Notably, the action was taken even though his contract had already expired in mid-2025, underscoring the board’s insistence that accountability does not end when paperwork does. In its official statement, the BCB reiterated that it maintains a zero-tolerance stance toward harassment, regardless of an individual’s profile or past service.

Monjurul has denied the allegations, describing them as unfounded. His denial adds complexity to a case that tests both the board’s commitment to due process and its responsibility to protect players.

A Turning Point for Women’s Cricket

For Jahanara Alam, speaking publicly carried weight. She has long been a cornerstone of Bangladesh women’s cricket, helping elevate the national team on regional and global stages. Her experience has prompted broader reflection on safeguarding policies, reporting mechanisms and institutional culture within the sport.

Women’s cricket in Bangladesh has grown steadily in recent years, but rapid development can expose weaknesses in governance. Transparent systems and trusted complaint procedures are essential for long-term progress.

Safeguarding, Structure and Institutional Reform

Cases like this rarely exist in isolation. Around the world, sports federations have learned that preventing misconduct requires more than reacting to individual complaints. It demands clear safeguarding frameworks, confidential reporting systems and education programs that define acceptable behavior in unmistakable terms. For Bangladesh cricket, this moment offers an opportunity to formalize standards that match the growing profile of the women’s game.

One critical area is the establishment of independent ombuds services or ethics hotlines that allow players to report concerns without fear of retaliation. Athletes, particularly in emerging programs, often depend heavily on selectors and administrators for career progression. That imbalance of power can discourage reporting unless there are trusted third-party mechanisms in place. Strengthening whistleblower protections and ensuring that complaints are reviewed outside internal hierarchies could help restore confidence.

The Impact on Players and Team Culture

Beyond administrative reform, the psychological dimension matters. Elite sport requires focus, trust and cohesion. When allegations of misconduct surface, they can fracture dressing-room unity and undermine performance. For younger players watching from domestic academies, the message sent by leadership becomes even more significant. A transparent response signals that performance does not outweigh personal dignity.

Jahanara Alam’s prominence amplified the case, but the broader lesson applies to all athletes. Professional environments must prioritize respect as much as results. Women’s cricket in Bangladesh has been on an upward trajectory, with improved training facilities and increasing international exposure. Sustaining that progress will depend not only on talent pipelines but also on the credibility of governance structures.

Governance in the Global Spotlight

The BCB’s actions also resonate beyond national borders. The International Cricket Council has emphasized safeguarding policies as part of modern governance expectations. Member boards are increasingly judged not only by on-field success but by how they manage ethical standards. Bangladesh’s handling of this case places it within a wider global conversation about athlete protection.

Public scrutiny now extends far beyond traditional media. Discussions unfold in real time across social platforms, fan forums and cricket analytics communities. Transparency, therefore, is no longer optional; it is central to institutional legitimacy.

What Comes Next for the BCB

The larger question now is reform. The BCB has indicated it may strengthen internal policies, improve training for officials and clarify reporting channels. Cricket holds immense cultural significance in Bangladesh, and with that status comes responsibility.

A Defining Moment

Ultimately, the ban of a former women’s selector will be remembered not just for its disciplinary outcome, but for what it reveals about the evolving culture of cricket in Bangladesh. Reform, if pursued seriously, can transform a difficult chapter into a foundation for stronger governance. For players, supporters and administrators alike, the challenge is to ensure that accountability becomes embedded practice rather than reactive response.

The ban is more than a disciplinary measure. It is a test of whether Bangladesh cricket can align its governance with its ambitions and ensure a safer future for the women who represent the nation.