Manjurul Islam Denies Jahanara’s Allegations, Expresses Willingness to Return Home and Join Investigation

Nov 09, 2025
Sports

File Photo: Manjurul Islam and Jahanara Alam (Collected)

Staff Reporter | PNN:

Former Bangladesh women’s cricket all-rounder Jahanara Alam has accused former selector and team manager Manjurul Islam of physically harassing her and other female players and asking for personal health-related information.

In an interview published on YouTube, Jahanara spoke candidly about the issue, saying she had informed senior officials at the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Women’s Wing about these incidents as early as 2021–2022.

Jahanara alleged that Manjurul used to engage in inappropriate physical contact under the pretext of “encouragement”—such as unwanted hugging or pulling players close. She said that despite reporting the incidents, no effective action was taken at the time, and her career was later made to suffer as a result. Jahanara is currently living in Australia.

Taking her allegations seriously, the BCB has decided to form an investigation committee and has already started inquiries into the matter. The issue has sparked concern in both cricketing and political circles, with many demanding a prompt and transparent investigation.

In response, the accused Manjurul Islam, speaking over the phone, dismissed all of Jahanara’s claims as baseless and false. He is currently serving as the head coach of the China women’s cricket team.

Manjurul stated that, as a manager, he used to receive necessary health information through the team physiotherapist, and he never directly asked players personal questions or behaved inappropriately. He said, “I am ready to return to Bangladesh and appear before the investigation committee at any time—whatever they decide, I will fully cooperate.”

He also mentioned that Jahanara had submitted her complaints to BCB in 2022, but the board never informed him about any sexual harassment allegations. Manjurul claimed he did not understand why such accusations were made, suggesting that his efforts to maintain team discipline may have caused resentment.

Observers across the sports community have called on the BCB to complete a fair, impartial, and transparent investigation and take appropriate action if the allegations are proven. The investigation is ongoing, and further details will be made public once the official report is released.