Speakers at a discussion on Wednesday have called for the prompt enactment of a specific law to prevent sexual harassment in workplaces and educational institutions, stressing the need for effective oversight to ensure complaint committees are active and functional in all institutions.
The discussion, titled “Necessary Steps to Prevent Sexual Harassment Against Women and Girls in Workplaces and Educational Institutions”, was held at the Azizur Rahman Conference Hall of The Daily Star and moderated by Dr Taslima Yasmin, associate professor of the Department of Law at the University of Dhaka.
Speakers highlighted that a 2009 High Court directive on preventing workplace sexual harassment stated its guidelines would act as law until a specific legislation is enacted and urged the government to draft such a law without delay.
Barrister Rashna Imam, senior advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, said the draft ordinance should adopt a victim-centered approach. She recommended extending the three-month complaint-filing limit and including provisions for preventive risk assessment, effective monitoring, and public awareness.
Discussing institutional accountability, speakers noted that while some universities have formed sexual harassment prevention committees, most have not. Even where committees exist, members often lack awareness of High Court directives or the sensitivity needed to handle complaints. Investigation committees sometimes recommend punishment, but accused individuals frequently evade responsibility through court appeals. Many universities also fail to submit required annual reports to the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Prof Dr Abdullah Al Faruque of Chittagong University called for a functional monitoring cell coordinated by the Ministry of Education and the UGC, alongside the enactment of a mandatory law. MP Mohammad Hasan Rajib Pradhan emphasized the need for continuous civil society advocacy to ensure proper implementation of High Court directives.
Participants highlighted challenges such as committees being formed only to satisfy external industrial requirements, lack of legal action when committees are absent, pressure and threats against victims, and delays in investigation reports.
In concluding remarks, Maheen Sultan, senior fellow at the BRAC Institute of Governance and Development and member of the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission, said the prolonged absence of a specific law reflects low priority given to the issue. She called for coordinated initiatives by civil society, trade unions, student organizations, and regulatory bodies, along with remedial measures including fines or license cancellation for non-compliant institutions.
Welcome remarks were delivered by Mohammad Barkat Ali, director (law) of BLAST. Other participants included Shrabana Datta, program manager of UN Women, MP Mohammad Hasan Rajib Pradhan, and Maheen Sultan.