Photo: UGC

DHAKA, June 4, 2026 (BSS) – The University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC) and UN Women Bangladesh have agreed to launch joint initiatives to prevent sexual and gender-based violence in higher education institutions, focusing on five selected public and private universities.

The decision was taken at a meeting between UGC Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed and a two-member UN Women Bangladesh delegation at the UGC Bhaban here today.

Under the European Union-funded project “Ending Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Public Spaces, Workplaces and Higher Education Institutions in Bangladesh,” the initiative will support the implementation of High Court directives on sexual harassment prevention and promote safe, inclusive campus environments.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is expected to be signed by late June or early July 2026, followed by the formation of a joint working group and quarterly coordination meetings to monitor progress.

UN Women will conduct a baseline study under the project, with field data collection scheduled for July–August 2026. 

The programme will also include training for university stakeholders, development of a gender policy framework, and an online monitoring tool to track compliance with relevant directives.

UGC Chairman Mamun Ahmed said the commission is committed to ensuring a safe and supportive academic environment, particularly for women, and assured full policy and technical support for effective implementation of the initiative.