The National Sports Council (NSC) has directed all federations and associations under its authority to form five-member committees dedicated to preventing sexual harassment of women.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the NSC said each committee must include at least three women. The list of committee members must be submitted to the NSC by 19 November.

According to the directive, female athletes and others involved in the respective sports bodies may lodge complaints of sexual harassment directly with these committees, which will be responsible for taking appropriate action.

The NSC also stated that if a complaint is not addressed, or if the complainant is dissatisfied with the committee’s decision, they may submit the matter to the NSC for further review.

The directive comes in the wake of recent allegations of sexual harassment made by former Bangladesh women’s cricket team captain Jahanara Alam, which have sparked widespread concern within the country’s sports community and intensified calls for independent inquiry mechanisms and stronger safeguards for female athletes.