RU Correspondent: A seminar titled ‘Sexual Harassment in Education and Workplace: Reality and Actions’ organized by the Committee on RU sexual harassment and oppression was held at the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Senate Building of Rajshahi University (RU) on Saturday.

Committee Member-Secretary Associate Professor Ronak Jahan conducted the seminar.

The special guest at the seminar was Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Md. Sultan-ul-Islam. The seminar, presided over by Professor Tanzima Zohra Habib, President of the Committee, featured notable speakers including Jagannath University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sadeka Halim, Judge Ziaur Rahman of the Rajshahi Cyber Tribunal, Advocate Ismat Ara, former President of the Committee Professor Mahbooba Kaniz Kaya, Public Relations Department Administrator Professor Pranab Kumar Pandey, Law Department Professor Md. Abdul Alim, and Associate Professor of the Psychology Department Sadeka Banu.

In his address, Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Sultan-ul-Islam stated that when individuals lose their moral compass, they may develop mental illnesses that can lead to committing heinous crimes. He stressed that society must make efforts to raise awareness and prevent such crimes from occurring. He advocated for real criminals to be brought to justice, but only after being made aware of their wrongdoings. He emphasized that criminals can be anyone, including males, females, teachers, students, or employees, and that hiding crimes leads to lawlessness. He called for collective responsibility in bringing criminals to justice and preventing further crimes.

Jagannath University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sadeka Halim highlighted the prevalence of sexual harassment in educational institutions in Bangladesh. Citing a report from Jatiya Mahila Parishad, she noted that 715 women were tortured and 226 women were raped in 2022. She emphasized that boys are also victims of harassment. She revealed that students often refrain from complaining, especially when harassed by teachers and stressed the need for platforms where women can voice their concerns and assert their rights.

Professor Tanzima Zohra Habib addressed the issue of underreporting of sexual harassment in universities. She noted that the tendency to seek justice is diminishing, resulting in many incidents remaining hidden. She highlighted Rajshahi University’s initiatives to prevent sexual assault and harassment, such as the installation of anonymous complaint boxes and plans to hold seminars in residence halls to raise awareness.

The seminar was attended by faculty heads, hall provosts, institute directors, departmental chairs, and other stakeholders, all contributing to a comprehensive discussion on combating sexual harassment and ensuring a safer environment for all students.

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