Sexual harassment row in Bangladesh cricket: BCB bans ex-women’s selector Monjurul Islam

Dhaka: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has barred former women’s national selector Monjurul Islam from any involvement in Bangladeshi cricket after an internal inquiry concluded that he breached the board’s harassment and misconduct regulations.

The action follows a formal complaint lodged by former Bangladesh Women’s National Team captain Jahanara Alam, who alleged inappropriate behaviour during the 2022 Women’s World Cup. An independent committee, constituted by the BCB, examined four separate claims. While two could not be substantiated, the panel found “initial proof of inappropriate behaviour” in the remaining two and ruled that Monjurul’s conduct constituted harassment under BCB guidelines.

In a statement released after the board meeting, the BCB said: “Based on the findings of the Independent Inquiry Committee formed by the BCB to examine the complaint lodged by former Bangladesh Women's National Team Captain Jahanara Alam, the Board has decided to impose a ban on former national cricketer Monjurul Islam from all forms of direct or indirect employment and/or cricket-related activities under the jurisdiction of the Bangladesh Cricket Board.”

Although Monjurul’s contract with the board expired in June 2025, the BCB emphasised that his behaviour had fallen short of the professional standards expected of national selectors. The board added that it is still reviewing the committee’s full report and “will take any additional measures deemed necessary.”

The same meeting saw the BCB unveil the calendar slot for the inaugural Women’s Bangladesh Premier League, set to run from 4 to 14 April 2026 in Dhaka and Chattogram. Directors also approved a one-month extension for chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain to allow time for the recruitment of his successor and a reorganisation of the national selection panel.