Jahanara had alleged that she was sexually assaulted by a member of the team management, prompting the BCB to form an inquiry committee to investigate the matter. Initially, the board announced that the committee would be chaired by Justice Tariq Ul Hakim, a former judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. The other members included BCB director Rubada Dowla and senior Supreme Court lawyer and president of the Women’s Sports Association, lawyer Sarwat Siraj Shukla.
The committee was later expanded to five members with the addition of Professor Dr. Naima Huq, former Chairman of the Department of Law, University of Dhaka and current member of the Law Commission, Bangladesh, and Advocate Muhammed Mustafizur Rahman Khan, Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court.
According to Cricbuzz, lawyer Sarwat Siraj Shukla confirmed that the report has now been submitted to the board. The investigation deadline has been extended several times since the committee was established. On December 2, the BCB announced the first extension, stating that Jahanara had requested additional time to file a written complaint and was given an additional 15 days. On December 21, the board again indicated that the committee would submit its report no later than January 31.
The filing of the report came just hours after the Supreme Court issued a ruling questioning the BCB’s apparent inaction in the matter. On February 2, the Supreme Court asked why the board’s silence in dealing with the allegations should not be declared illegal.
The order was issued by a Supreme Court bench comprising Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar following a writ petition. Supreme Court advocate Nasir Uddin Ahmed Asim, along with other lawyers, represented the petitioners during the hearing.
The court ordered the BCB to explain why its alleged indifference and inaction in handling the complaint should not be considered unlawful. The board was also directed to inform the court of the steps it has taken or plans to take in response to the allegations.
The writ petition stated that the continued silence of the authorities in such cases discourages not only the victim but also potential victims from coming forward due to fear and lack of trust, ultimately hampering the delivery of justice.
The Supreme Court emphasized that ensuring transparency and accountability is the responsibility of every institution, be it educational, professional, medical, industrial or sporting institutions, and allegations of this nature must be treated with utmost seriousness.
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