DU, BRAC to combat harassment, bullying on campus

 
The decision to work together on prevention and remedy management was finalized during a meeting held at the Vice-Chancellor's (VC's) conference room on Thursday, said a press release here today.
 
During the meeting, university officials and BRAC representatives discussed future action plans and potential areas of cooperation. 
 
BRAC representatives expressed interest in providing support to the university in several key areas including increasing awareness among teachers and students regarding gender-based violence, bullying, and sexual harassment; developing methods for receiving and investigating complaints and enhancing institutional capacity to ensure fair punitive measures are taken against offenders.
 
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan thanked the BRAC delegation for their interest in assisting the university. 
 
The meeting was attended, among others, by DU Pro-VC (Administration) Prof Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha and BRAC Senior Director KAM Morshed.
 
The university currently operates two separate committees formed under the decision of the DU Syndicate to handle these issues.
 
The Sexual Harassment and Oppression Prevention Inquiry Committee, convened by Prof Dr. Upama Kabir, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology.
 
The Anti-Bullying and Ragging Committee convened by Prof Dr. Shahnaz Huda of the Department of Law.
 
To strengthen the reporting mechanism, letters have been sent to all Deans, Hall Provosts, Hostel Wardens, Department Chairmen, Institute Directors, and the Proctor.
 
The administration has directed that complaint boxes be installed in all offices and halls, and that any complaints received must be forwarded to the conveners of the respective committees on a weekly basis.
 
Furthermore, the administration has advised all departments and institutes to organise workshops involving both teachers and students to address and prevent sexual harassment, bullying, and ragging, reports BSS.