HC questions BCB’s failure to ensure safe environment for women cricketers

The High Court on Monday issued a rule questioning the inaction and failure of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and other respondents concerned in ensuring a safe, harassment-free and gender-sensitive sporting environment for the country’s women cricketers.

In the rule, the court asked the officials concerned of the government and BCB to explain why the inaction and failure of the cricket board in this regard should not be declared "unlawful, without lawful authority, and against public interest".

In response to a writ petition, the HC also directed BCB to implement the anti-sexual harassment policy in line with the guidelines of its judgment while the rule remains pending. At the same time, BCB has been instructed to submit a report to the HC on the implementation of the interim order.

The HC bench of Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar passed the rule and order following a writ petition filed by renowned former shooter Sabrina Sultana, seeking necessary directives.

Writ petitioner’s lawyer Barrister Nasiruddin Ahmed Asim told The Daily Star that allegations of sexual harassment were raised involving Jahanara Alam, former captain of the Bangladesh women’s cricket team.

In response, BCB formed a three-member independent inquiry committee, which was later expanded to five members, but no report has been submitted so far.

BCB had twice deferred the submission of the committee’s report. It was due on January 31, but until it is filed, it cannot be known whether the report has been submitted or not.

Dissatisfied with the steps taken by BCB in this incident of alleged sexual abuse involving a woman cricketer, Sabrina Sultana filed the writ petition with the HC.

After a preliminary hearing on the writ, the HC issued the rule and the interim order, the lawyer added.

Meanwhile, BCB lawyer Barrister Mahin M Rahman told The Daily Star that they were unaware of the development and would respond once they received the HC rule.