Women’s Harassment Prevention Cells in Universities Ineffective

Staff Reporter | PNN

Though many universities have established cells or committees to prevent sexual harassment and abuse, their effectiveness has come under question. Students report that even if they are victims, filing complaints rarely results in justice; instead, they may face further harassment. Many students are unaware of the existence of these committees.

Complaints have been raised at institutions including Dhaka University, Begum Rokeya University, Islamic University, Rajshahi University, and Khulna University, but the rate of punishment remains very low. For instance, Dhaka University has received 8–10 harassment complaints, yet the committee has not resolved any. At Begum Rokeya University, only a few of 10 complaints have been addressed. At Khulna University, 22 of 27 complaints were resolved, but five remain pending.

Multiple students stated that complaints risk exposing their identity and, due to administrative or faculty connections, justice is unlikely. Many thus hesitate to file complaints. They report that university committees are largely symbolic and practically inactive.

Lawyer Shahinuzzaman said, “Inactivity directly violates High Court orders. Heads of institutions must be held accountable. Failure to comply and the culture of impunity is worsening problems.”

National Coordinator Syeda Ahsana Jaman Annie said, “These incidents happen regularly in universities, but administrative measures to report complaints are ineffective. Complaint boxes exist, but students don’t know where to submit them. Active committees would significantly reduce harassment.”

In many universities, harassment prevention cells do not hold regular meetings, lack dedicated helplines or web forms, and students are discouraged from reporting verbally. Activities of these cells are nearly inactive in Rajshahi University, Patuakhali University of Science & Technology, Jessore University of Science & Technology, Islamic University, and Sylhet Agricultural University.