NSC orders all sports bodies to form anti-harassment committees

The National Sports Council (NSC) has instructed all federations and associations under its jurisdiction to form five-member committees to prevent sexual harassment of women.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the NSC stated that each committee would have to have at least three women and the list of members will have to be submitted to the NSC by November 19.

Female athletes and others involved with the sports body can file complaints of sexual harassment with the committee, who will be responsible to take appropriate actions.

The press release further read that if a complain is not addressed or if the complainant is not happy with the verdict, they can approach the NSC.

The directive follows the recent allegations of sexual harassment made by former Bangladesh cricket team captain Jahanara Alam, which have shaken the country's sports fraternity, and has raised calls for independent inquiry committees and other measures to ensure the safety of the female athletes.