Staff Reporter :
Sexual harassment remains a significant challenge in Bangladesh, with women and girls facing harassment in workplaces, educational institutions, public spaces, and online platforms.
Despite the existence of some legal measures, the implementation of these laws has been slow, and many gaps persist in protecting women and holding perpetrators accountable.
Salma Sultana Sumi*, a university student from Dhaka, shared her personal experience of sexual harassment, recounting an incident that occurred when she was just in second grade. “I feared men for years and avoided family gatherings. Even now, I carry a cutter (small knife) in my bag,” she said, reflecting on the lasting impact the abuse has had on her life. Her story is not unique.
According to a 2021 analysis by the Bangladesh Women’s Lawyers’ Association, a staggering 84% of women report experiencing sexual harassment in various settings, including schools, workplaces, on public transportation, and even within their own homes.
In response to these concerns, the issue of sexual harassment has gained more attention during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, a global movement held annually from November 25 to December 10. As part of the campaign, UN Women organized a sports competition with university students in Dhaka to raise awareness about efforts to improve safety and prevent sexual harassment on campuses.
While the Bangladesh High Court issued a landmark directive in 2009 aimed at preventing sexual harassment in schools and workplaces, incidents continue to occur frequently, and many victims still face stigma or fear retaliation if they come forward. Sumi recounted instances where male faculty members at her university left inappropriate comments on her social media, making her feel unsafe.
“Once, I requested a teacher to review my grades, and he asked me to meet him at 6 p.m. in his office. I didn’t go,” she recalled. “He then asked me to meet him at 8 a.m. the next day, when the campus is mostly empty, so I took my friends along. He didn’t seem pleased. Maybe he had no ill intention, but how could I be sure? I’d rather be safe than sorry.”
Sabina Ali*, a faculty member at a private university in Dhaka, is part of the Sexual Harassment Complaint Committee at her institution. Ali explained that the committee receives 8-10 cases annually and works to provide support to victims, raise awareness through orientations, and ensure that new staff members are educated on the institution’s anti-harassment policies. However, Ali also noted that many harassment cases now occur online, creating additional challenges for universities. “We can dismiss perpetrators from the campus. But how do we make sure that they wouldn’t repeat their behaviour outside or in their new workplace?” she asked.