Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Sept 4, 2025 (BSS) - The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh and UN Women have agreed to work together to eliminate sexual harassment and gender-based violence (GBV) in higher education institutions across the country.

The decision came today when a three-member delegation of UN Women paid a courtesy call on UGC Chairman Professor Dr S M A Faiz at the UGC office in Agargaon, Dhaka.

UGC members Professor Dr Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan, Professor Dr Masuma Habib and Professor Dr Mohammad Ayub Islam, along with Acting Director of UGC's International Cooperation Department Jasmine Parveen, were present. 

From UN Women side, Deputy Country Representative Nabanita Sinha and officials Sadia Tasneem and Tosiba Kashem were present.

During the meeting, Nabanita Sinha said a three-year EU-funded project is being launched to prevent sexual harassment and GBV in public spaces, transport, workplaces and universities. 

The initiative, to be implemented by UN Women, will promote safer environments, behavioral change and stronger institutional mechanisms, she added.

She informed that UGC will select five public and private universities for the programme's rollout, with a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to be signed soon between UGC and UN Women.

UGC Chairman Professor Faiz assured full cooperation in line with the High Court directives and announced plans to formulate a comprehensive policy to address sexual harassment and GBV, covering students, teachers and all stakeholders.

It was also informed that a high-level committee, headed by UGC member Professor Dr Masuma Habib, has already been formed to oversee preventive measures.

A detailed action plan will be developed soon through a workshop in collaboration with UN Women.