Sexual harassment in Bangladeshi sports has ignited a firestorm, leaping from cricket pitches to shooting ranges.
On Saturday, furious former and current star athletes, coaches, umpires, and officials formed a human chain at Dhaka's National Stadium under the Sammilita Krirangan banner, roaring in protest against rampant abuse in sports fields.
The uproar follows a bombshell complaint lodged on November 10 by the nation's premier female shooter, Kamrun Nahar Koli – a World Cup finalist – against GM Haider Sajjad, Joint Secretary of the Bangladesh Shooting Sport Federation. Koli submitted her written grievance to Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan.
At the protest, Commonwealth gold medallist and ex-shooter Sharmin Ratna piled on allegations against Sajjad.
In her damning letter, Koli detailed: "GM Haider Sajjad, in a position of responsibility at the Shooting Federation, has repeatedly subjected me to mental torture, abuse, and humiliation. He has summoned me to his office multiple times, tormenting me mentally for over four hours, pressuring me, and uttering derogatory words. As a female athlete, this has caused me immense distress, harming my training and performance."
She added: "He appointed coach Sharmin Akhtar, whose skills and qualifications fall short of national team standards. This coach has behaved disrespectfully, made insulting remarks, and misbehaved towards me. Despite my status as a scholarship national shooter, he has treated me with disdain and repeatedly wounded me mentally."
"I am deeply frightened, disturbed, and insecure due to these two individuals' actions. Their power abuse and insults have not only tarnished a female athlete but the entire sports environment. I urge administrative action against GM Haider Sajjad and coach Sharmin Akhtar to safeguard my well-being," Koli pleaded.
Speaking to Jago News, Koli said: "Yes, I've written seeking justice. What we saw with Jahanara Apu [cricketer Jahanara Alam] – sexual harassment and mental torture – many of us in sports face. But Jahanara boldly spoke out; she's brave. Now women's sports has erupted. We're gaining courage, speaking bit by bit. Incidents have happened; they're still happening."
"When we complained, they demanded evidence. We went to the National Sports Council – same question: evidence? Some has gone viral in media. We're focused on training; spying on this man was never our plan."
"He invites many girls to camps – especially girls. He’s overly friendly with them. Senior and former shooters shared harassment experiences, even evidence. Now, the federation's split: one side compromises for benefits; the other, like me, faces oppression and harassment."
Koli alleged ongoing torment since the current committee: "I fainted at the range from their abuse. I begged for leave – denied. GM Haider Sajjad orchestrated it all."
Sajjad fired back to Jago News: "They're lying. I won't stoop to street-level rebuttals. That's their mindset. I demand a probe – government or media-led. Koli complained to the adviser; I've heard. Perhaps against someone else. Media, avoid trials before proof. Unproven accusations block women's rise in sport and humiliate the innocent socially and familially. Irresponsible handling will deter future athletes."