Dhaka University (DU) established two dedicated committees to combat sexual harassment and ragging across its campus, marking a significant step towards creating a safer academic environment for students.
Professor Dr Upama Kabir, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, will lead the Investigation Committee for Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Abuse.
Meanwhile, Professor Dr Shahnaz Huda from the Law Department has been appointed convener of the Anti-Bullying Committee.
The announcement was made through a press release issued by Muhammad Rafiqul Islam, Acting Director of the university's Public Relations Office, on Sunday.
The newly formed committees have been granted authority to receive and investigate all complaints regarding sexual harassment, abuse, bullying and ragging. Letters have been dispatched from the Pro-Vice Chancellor's (Administration) office to faculty deans, hall principals, hostel wardens, department chairs, institute directors and the university proctor, instructing them to channel complaints directly to the respective committee conveners.
To ensure accessibility, complaint boxes will be installed across all faculties, departments, institutes, halls, hostels and the proctor's office. These boxes must be checked weekly, with complaints forwarded to the appropriate committee conveners for investigation.
Additionally, the notice has recommended organising workshops on sexual harassment, abuse, bullying and ragging. These sessions will involve both teachers and students from each department and institute, aiming to raise awareness and prevent such incidents through education and dialogue.
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