BCB steps up safeguards for women cricketers

 
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has stepped up efforts to protect women cricketers by organising an awareness workshop on sexual harassment in sports and forming an independent committee to handle complaints.

The BCB women's wing held the workshop, titled "Prevention of Sexual Harassment in Sports: Policy Awareness and Sensitisation", at the Best Western Heritage Hotel in Cox's Bazar on Wednesday. More than 100 women cricketers involved in domestic cricket activities attended the programme.

Conducted by Chandra Banerjee, secretary of the newly formed complaints committee, the session focused on raising awareness about harassment policies, reporting procedures and players' rights to a safe sporting environment.

The BCB has also formed a five-member independent committee headed by Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Rashna Imam. 

Barristers Nazia Kabir and Anita Ghazi Rahman, along with Zareen Mahmud Hossain, are among its members. A former cricketer is expected to join the panel, while Banerjee will serve as its secretary.

The committee will receive and examine complaints before submitting its findings to the board for necessary action. No BCB officials or employees have been included to ensure its independence.

The initiative follows allegations of sexual abuse and harassment raised by former Bangladesh women's captain Jahanara Alam in November 2025. An earlier investigative panel led by Rubaba Dowla had recommended stronger institutional safeguards.

The workshop and independent complaints mechanism are intended to make reporting more accessible and strengthen protection for women cricketers.