Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Nov 6, 2025 (BSS)- Member of the University Grants Commission of 
Bangladesh (UGC) Professor Dr. Masuma Habib today said that UGC is taking 
necessary measures to bring sexual harassment and gender-based violence in 
higher education institutions down to zero.

She made the remarks at a workshop titled 'Challenges and Redress in Ending 
Sexual Harassment and Gender-Based Violence on Campus', jointly organised by 
the UGC and UN Women at a hotel in the capital, a UGC press release said.

Prof Masuma Habib emphasized on several issues such as giving priority to 
women in forming sexual harassment prevention committees, ensuring 
transparency and accountability and creating safe campuses.
 
She said the "Whole of School Approach" could serve as an ideal model.

UGC member Prof Dr. Mohammad Ayub Islam highlighted the need for 
institutional policies and behavioral changes to ensure safe and inclusive 
campuses. 

UGC Director Mst Jesmin Pervin said a three-year EU-funded project, supported 
by UN Women, will strengthen institutional mechanisms and change attitudes 
and create safe educational and work environments for women.

The workshop was attended by heads of sexual harassment prevention committees 
from 14 universities, representatives of Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) and 
students. 

Participants suggested measures including adopting a "Zero Tolerance" policy, 
forming prevention cells, training on gender awareness, creating gender-
sensitive campuses and using technology for complaint management.

UN Women officials Shrabana Datta and Tosiba Kashem conducted a session on 
the "Whole of School Approach" during the workshop.