Former selector and team manager of the Bangladesh women’s cricket team, Manjurul Islam Manjur, has been accused of sexual harassment by women’s national cricketer Jahanara Alom. Jahanara claims that Manjur made inappropriate proposals by asking about her menstrual cycle and would hug her instead of offering a handshake during team interactions.
Jahanara has stated that she reported these incidents of sexual harassment to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) multiple times but received no resolution. In an emotional interview with sports journalist Riasad Azim, Jahanara, currently in Australia, recounted her experiences and broke down in tears while sharing her story.
She explained, “One day, he (Manjurul Islam) came up to me, placed his hand on my shoulder, and asked how long my period lasts. He said, ‘When your period is over, let me know. I need to have a look at you. When it’s finished, come to me when I call.” She also spoke of other incidents during World Cup matches, where instead of shaking hands, Manjur would hug players inappropriately.
Despite repeatedly reporting the incidents to the BCB, Jahanara claims no action was taken. She has now decided not to seek justice from the Board but instead has turned to a higher power for justice. She said, “I have made countless complaints over the last year and a half. I spoke to Nadel Sir (the head of the women’s wing at BCB), and initially, things seemed to improve, but then they returned to the same state.”
Attempts were made to contact Manjurul Islam Manjur for his side of the story. However, he did not answer phone calls, and although the WhatsApp message was seen, no response was given. Manjur was appointed as the chief selector of women’s cricket in October 2020 and later served as team manager. He was also the programme manager for the Bengal Tigers.