Sports community protests in Mirpur seeking action against accused officials

Calls for swift and transparent action against sexual harassment in Bangladesh's sporting arena grew louder on Wednesday as athletes and organisers formed a human chain in front of Gate 2 of the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.

The demonstration comes in the wake of national women's cricket team captain Jahanara Alam's recent allegations of harassment, which opened the floodgates for victims from other sports to speak up. Her testimony triggered widespread outrage and led to the formation of an investigation committee -- a committee that many victims and sports insiders have since criticised for lacking credibility and urgency.

Adding to the frustration, several of the individuals accused of misconduct continue to hold their positions, prompting fresh anger among athletes who say this undermines the probe and intimidates victims.

At the demonstration, participants held banners demanding that the accused be removed immediately from their roles and that investigations move forward without delay.

National award–winning former badminton player Kamrun Nahar Dana said, "There is no need for an investigation when a victim names her abuser. Justice must be delivered now. A girl would never come forward unless she had truly been wronged. If action is not taken, girls will disappear from sports."

Shooter Tasmiati Ema directly addressed GM Haider, former shooter and joint secretary of the Shooting Federation, saying, "He must be expelled immediately. No girl is safe around him."

Sharmin Akter Ratna condemned the continued presence of the accused in their positions. "They are still in charge, and this will influence the investigation. The committee is delaying the process, why?" she said.

Cricket organiser Sabbir Ahmed Rubel urged the Bangladesh Cricket Board to act decisively. "Even after a BCB director was named, he continues in his role as if nothing happened. He should be relieved of duty until the report is published."

Saiful Islam echoed that sentiment, saying, "Those accused must be removed from responsibility until the investigation ends. Otherwise, they will interfere with the process."