Action to be taken against univs if fail to address complaints: UGC chair

University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed has warned action against universities if they fail to effectively address complaints of sexual harassment.

“Forming a committee is not enough. The committee must perform its assigned responsibilities effectively,” he said, stressing that every complaint must be investigated promptly and appropriate action taken.

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between the UGC and UN Women at the UGC headquarters in Agargaon on Thursday.

The MoU was signed under a European Union-funded project aimed at preventing sexual and gender-based violence in workplaces, public spaces and higher education institutions.

Professor Mamun said sexual harassment prevention committees have been formed at all public universities and at several private universities in accordance with High Court directives. However, UGC monitoring has found that many committees are not functioning as effectively as expected.

“After a woman files a complaint, no responsible person should say, ‘It is not my responsibility,’” he said.
He stressed that universities must ensure a safe and supportive environment for female teachers, students, officers and employees.

The UGC chairman also announced that an initiative is underway to form a national committee to coordinate and monitor efforts to prevent sexual harassment and gender-based violence at universities. 

The proposed committee will include representatives of teachers, students, officers and employees, along with UGC representatives.

EU Delegation Deputy Head Beiba Jerina said eliminating sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination is essential to ensuring quality education and creating safe higher education institutions.

Under the MoU, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Khulna University, Begum Rokeya University, Daffodil International University and American International University-Bangladesh will receive support to strengthen their institutional capacity to prevent sexual harassment and gender-based violence.

UN Women and Ain o Salish Kendra will jointly work to strengthen complaint committees, improve complaint and referral mechanisms, and raise awareness among students and employees.

Professor Mamun called for greater awareness and effective implementation of a zero-tolerance policy against sexual harassment and gender-based violence on university campuses.