Former Bangladesh women’s selector and team manager Manjurul Islam has been accused of sexual harassment by cricketer Jahanara Alam. In an interview on a YouTube channel, Jahanara alleged that Manjurul used to make inappropriate physical contact with women players and that he pressed her for highly personal health-related information — details she says should normally be handled by the team physiotherapist.
Jahanara also accused several others of actions that she claims damaged her career. She says she reported the incidents repeatedly — particularly from 2021 and for the following year and a half — to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the board’s women’s wing at senior levels, but received no effective remedy, according to the former national all-rounder.
Manjurul, who played 17 Tests and 34 One-Day Internationals for Bangladesh between 1999 and 2004, went on to hold various coaching and management roles under the BCB after retirement. He served as the national women’s team selector from 2020 to 2023 and also acted as team manager on several series. He is currently working in China as the head coach of a women’s side.
Speaking to Prothom Alo by phone, Manjurul categorically denied Jahanara’s allegations, calling them “baseless and false.” He said he is prepared to return to Bangladesh and face any investigative committee. “I will come whenever they ask. I will do whatever the inquiry committee directs,” he told the paper.
Regarding Jahanara’s claim that he asked her directly about private health issues, Manjurul said that, as manager, he received such information via the team physiotherapist and never questioned any player personally about those matters. Challenged to say whether he had ever asked Jahanara such questions, he responded bluntly: “Absolutely not. Where and when did I say these things? Where is the proof? Would she have shared it with other teammates? Let them speak.”
Jahanara alleged that Manjurul would, under the guise of encouragement, make physical contact with players — hugging them or touching their chests. Manjurul rejected this as well and reiterated his willingness to submit to any state or BCB-led investigation.
Jahanara has claimed that she submitted a letter to the BCB in 2022 addressed to chief executive Nizam Uddin Chowdhury detailing her concerns. Manjurul, however, says he was never informed by the board about any sexual-harassment complaint against him.
Asked why the allegations were levelled against him, Manjurul said he did not know and suggested that his strictness on discipline and rules may be a factor: “My main issue was discipline and following the law. I was strict about food and so on; if that is a crime and deserving of punishment, I have no problem with that.”
Key facts:
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Player career (Manjurul) | 17 Tests, 34 ODIs (1999–2004) |
| BCB roles | Various coaching/management roles post-retirement; national women’s selector (2020–2023); team manager on several series |
| Current role | Head coach of a women’s team in China |
| Jahanara’s claim period | Complaints reportedly raised from 2021 for about 1½ years |
| Reported action taken by Jahanara | Letter to BCB CEO in 2022; repeated reports to BCB and women’s wing (per Jahanara) |
| Manjurul’s stance | Denies allegations; says he will cooperate with any investigation |
The matter remains contentious: Jahanara has publicly levelled serious accusations and says she sought redress within the board without success, while Manjurul strongly refutes the claims and insists he will submit to any formal inquiry.