Dhaka: The government has initiated a zero-tolerance policy aimed at eliminating sexual harassment in educational institutions nationwide. In alignment with a High Court order, the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE), under the Ministry of Education, has developed a comprehensive guideline awaiting final approval from the ministry.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this proposed guideline marks the first time that email, SMS, and social media harassment, as well as blackmail and threats following romantic rejection, are categorized as serious offenses beyond physical contact. DSHE Director General (acting) Professor BM Abdul Hannan stated that this guideline will be the country’s first comprehensive effort to ensure a safe environment for women across all public and private educational institutions and offices under DSHE.
The guideline aims to protect female students, teachers, officers, and staff. Kamrun Nahar, Assistant Director of DSHE’s Planning and Development Wing, noted that the guideline was prepared in response to the High Court’s order and would soon be distributed to educational officers nationwide upon approval. Nahar emphasized that implementing the guideline would dismantle the long-standing culture of fear in DSHE offices and educational institutions, promoting a woman-friendly educational environment.
The guideline mandates that each institution form a five-member special investigation committee led by a woman, complete investigations within 30 to 60 days, and implement strict administrative measures such as temporary suspension of the accused. It also emphasizes confidentiality of the victim’s identity and provides an appeal mechanism up to the DSHE Director General.
The definition of sexual harassment has been expanded to include objectionable messages via phone, email, SMS, or social media; displaying pornography; and recording videos for blackmail. The guideline specifies acts such as making sexually suggestive remarks, sending explicit images, and abusing institutional authority to seek sexual relations as harassment.
Institutions are required to form a robust complaints committee, predominantly comprising women, with external experts on gender and human rights. A visible complaint box must be installed, and victims can submit complaints personally or through a lawyer within 30 working days of an incident. The committee must maintain confidentiality during investigations and submit reports within 30 to 60 days. False complaints may result in disciplinary action.
The guideline allows victims to appeal at higher levels if justice is not served at the institutional level, ultimately reaching the DSHE Director General. Strict administrative and legal action against the accused is included, with provisions for temporary suspension during investigations. Allegations will be treated as misconduct, with disciplinary action required within 30 working days of receiving a complaint.
Prevention is emphasized alongside justice, with instructions for heads of institutions to ensure safe coexistence between male and female colleagues. Regular self-defense training, counseling, and awareness sessions on the impacts of sexual harassment are advised, along with displaying existing laws and fundamental rights in simple language on notice boards.