The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has established an independent complaints committee to address sexual harassment complaints and strengthen safeguarding measures for female cricketers. The initiative aims to provide women players with a safe, respectful and confidential environment where they can report incidents without fear of discrimination or internal pressure.

The committee has already begun its operations with four members, while the appointment of a fifth member, who will be a former cricketer, is expected in due course.

Chandra Banerjee, secretary of the BCB complaints committee, confirmed the development to Cricbuzz on Tuesday, November 3. The formation of the committee follows earlier reports that its approval was pending because the complete list of members had not yet been finalised.

Barrister Rashna Imam to Head Five-Member Committee

Barrister Rashna Imam has been appointed to lead the five-member independent committee. She was previously associated with the convening committee led by Tamim Iqbal, who headed the women’s wing before the last BCB election.

The other appointed members are:

• Barrister Nazia Kabir
• Barrister Anita Gazi Rahman
• Zarin Mahmud Hossain

A former cricketer will join the panel as its fifth member.

One significant aspect of the committee’s structure is the absence of BCB officials and employees. The decision is understood to be deliberate, with the objective of keeping investigations independent and preventing potential conflicts of interest or internal influence.

The committee has been established in accordance with a 2009 directive issued by the Bangladesh High Court.

BCB Introduces Zero-Tolerance Safeguarding Policy

Alongside the formation of the committee, the BCB has introduced safeguarding policies designed to establish clear procedures for reporting and addressing inappropriate behaviour.

According to Chandra Banerjee, the policies have been developed in line with international regulations and domestic laws. They define unacceptable conduct and explain how players can report incidents while ensuring confidentiality and fairness throughout the investigation process.

She emphasised that the board maintains a zero-tolerance approach towards abuse and sexual harassment.

Banerjee also explained that the safeguarding policy has already been circulated within the women’s wing. Additionally, the BCB has introduced a pop-up banner on its official website, giving visitors direct access to information about filing complaints.

The board is also working on further initiatives to make players aware of the available reporting mechanisms.

Committee Aims to Remove Fear Among Female Cricketers

An important objective of the new initiative is to encourage players to speak up without worrying about their identity becoming public or facing unnecessary attention.

Banerjee acknowledged that some players might hesitate before reporting an incident because of concerns about publicity, confidentiality or the complaint process.

She said the committee intends to explain the safeguarding policy in simple language so that players from different educational and professional backgrounds can understand their rights and the protection available to them.

The focus, she explained, is not limited to establishing formal rules but also ensuring that every female cricketer understands how to access support and seek assistance when required.

The BCB wants players to feel confident that complaints will be handled through a fair and confidential process.

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Workshop Planned to Establish Direct Communication With Players

The BCB is also planning a dedicated workshop to establish direct communication between the independent committee and female cricketers.

The workshop will allow players to interact with committee members, understand the complaint procedures and clarify any concerns regarding the safeguarding policy. It will also provide an opportunity for cricketers to approach the committee whenever they need assistance.

Meanwhile, the board has already initiated an educational session for women cricketers in Cox’s Bazar, where approximately 100 players are currently staying to participate in domestic tournaments.

The initiative is expected to help players understand the available safeguards and reporting channels.

Focus on Building a Safer Environment in Bangladesh Women’s Cricket

The formation of an independent complaints committee represents a formal step towards strengthening player protection within Bangladesh women’s cricket.

By introducing an external panel, improving access to complaint procedures and conducting awareness programmes, the BCB aims to establish a system in which female cricketers can report concerns with greater confidence.

The effectiveness of the initiative will depend on consistent implementation, confidentiality and timely action on complaints. The planned workshop and educational programmes will be important in ensuring that players understand and can use the safeguards introduced by the board.