Bangladesh cricketer accused of sexual assault; allegedly lured a woman with the promise of marriage

A startling event has rocked Bangladeshi cricket ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. Tofael Ahmed Raihan, an all-rounder for Bangladesh's "A" squad, has been charged with sexual harassment by local authorities. 

After persuading a young woman that he intended to marry her, Tofael Ahmed Raihan has been charged with sexual assault. According to police, the charge was filed in accordance with Section 9(1) of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act.

The investigating officer disclosed that the woman's initial statement, hotel reservation information, medical test results, and other records gathered throughout the inquiry provide compelling evidence to back up her claims.

“The charge sheet has been filed under Section 9(1) of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act,” investigating officer, Sub-Inspector Md Samiul Islam of Gulshan Police Station was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

The next hearing is set for December 30, when the charge sheet will be presented to the court. According to the case documents, Tofael first contacted the woman on Facebook in January. Their Messenger conversations got more frequent, and a romantic relationship gradually developed.

Tofael Ahmed accused of repeated sexual assault

The woman originally refused, but eventually agreed after Tofael constantly convinced her that he planned to marry her. According to the lawsuit, on January 31, the Bangladesh cricketer took her to a Gulshan hotel, introduced her as his wife, and reportedly coerced her into sexual activity. 

She stated that the all-rounder thereafter reiterated his pledge of marriage. The woman also claimed that Raihan abused her on several occasions on separate dates, but refused to marry her when she eventually pressed him.

After months of agony, she filed a complaint with Gulshan Police Station on August 1, accusing him of recurrent sexual abuse. On September 24, the High Court granted Tofael anticipatory bail for six weeks, ordering him to appear before the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal before the bail period expired.

But the cricket player disregarded the court's order. Instead, Tofael went to Hong Kong to play for the Bangladesh "A" squad in a six-a-side competition in contravention of the ongoing case and the terms of his bail. His choice to depart the nation has raised more questions about his behavior.

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