Sexual harassment is a silent epidemic that haunts the lives of countless women in Bangladesh. From university classrooms to office boardrooms, women continue to suffer in silence, fearing stigma, job loss, and academic consequences. It’s a reality that many acknowledge but few dare to address, leaving victims trapped in an endless cycle of fear and helplessness.
Imagine being a bright, ambitious student, eager to learn and grow, only to find yourself subjected to degrading stares, inappropriate comments, or even coercive advances from someone who is supposed to be your mentor. This is the reality for many female students in Bangladesh. Studies show that over 40% of female students have experienced harassment, often by those in positions of authority. The classroom, meant to be a place of empowerment, instead becomes a space of discomfort and fear.
In the workplace, the situation is equally grim. More than 35% of women in the corporate world report experiencing harassment, but nearly 60% fear that speaking up would cost them their jobs. This fear forces them to endure the mental and emotional burden in silence. The toxic work environment caused by harassment often leads to burnout, anxiety, and depression. A study found that 45% of women who faced harassment reported feeling helpless, stressed, and unable to focus on their work.
One of the biggest challenges in fighting this issue is the deeply ingrained societal mindset that places blame on the victim. Many still believe that a woman’s behaviour or clothing invites such harassment, discouraging them from reporting their experiences. This toxic culture perpetuates institutional silence, making it difficult for women to seek justice. Many universities and workplaces still lack grievance redressal mechanisms, leaving victims with nowhere to turn. Even when laws exist, implementation is weak, and legal battles are long and discouraging.
Laws such as the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act (2010) and the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act (2000) exist, but they fail to comprehensively address non-physical forms of harassment like cyberbullying, character defamation, and verbal abuse. The judicial system is slow, and many women lose hope before they even get a chance to seek justice.
Sexual harassment is not just a legal issue; it is a deep-seated social problem that demands change at every level. Stronger policies, transparent reporting systems, and a shift in societal attitudes are crucial. Women should feel empowered to speak up without fear of retaliation. Institutions must take a proactive stance in protecting their members.
It’s time to break the silence. Every woman deserves a safe space to learn, work, and thrive. Ending sexual harassment requires collective action -- society must stand together to create an environment where no woman has to live in fear. The conversation starts with us.
The question is, will we listen?
Md Sifatul Islam Pranto is a freelance contributor.