Their testimony encouraged female athletes from various disciplines to come forward with similar allegations, triggering widespread outrage and prompting the formation of an investigation committee in the Bangladesh Cricket Board [BCB] and also a directive served by the National Sports Council [NSC].
However, the committees have become a point of contention, as victims and many sports figures have expressed dissatisfaction over its composition and progress.
Despite the allegations, several accused individuals continue to hold their official positions, leading to concerns about potential interference in the investigation process.
In response, athletes and sports organizers staged a human chain on Monday in front of the BCB headquarters located at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. The protestors demanded immediate action and the suspension of those accused.
The protest was attended by national award–winning former badminton player Kamrun Nahar Dana, gold medalist shooter Sabrina Sultana, Sharmin Akter Ratna, cricket organizer Ziaur Rahman Topu, Sabbir Ahmed Rubel, Tabarakul Islam Arif, Saiful Islam Sopu, Soleman Mehbub Elahi Murad, Animes Das, Nazmul Kabir Sentu, former national volleyball player Nasima Chowdhury Shireen, shooter Sharmin Shilpa, Tasmiyati Emma, former badminton player Najma Siddiqui Shimul and many others.
“There is no need for further investigation into the names mentioned by the victims. Justice must be delivered immediately. Remember, a girl would never make such claims unless she had actually been abused. If no action is taken, girls will disappear from the sporting arena,” said former badminton player Kamrun Nahar Dana to the media on Wednesday.
Shooter Tasmiyati Emma, addressing Shooting Federation joint secretary and former shooter GM Haider, said, “The accused must be expelled immediately. No girl is safe around him.”
Another athlete, Sharmin Akter Ratna, criticized the delay in the investigation process, “The accused are still holding their positions, which will influence the committee. Why is the committee taking so long?”
Cricket organizer Sabbir Ahmed Rubel pressed amongst the accused is a director of the current BCB board but the director still at work.
“Even after a BCB director’s name surfaced, he continues working as usual. He should be relieved of his duties until the investigation report is made public,” said Sabbir.
Protester Saiful Islam echoed similar concerns, “Those facing allegations must be removed until the investigation is complete. Otherwise, they will influence the entire process.”
Amid mounting pressure, sports activists continue to urge authorities to take immediate and transparent action to ensure a safe environment for female athletes across the country.
