By Naziur Rahman Sohel

DHAKA, Jan 1, 2026 (BSS)- The government has taken initiatives to introduce a zero-tolerance policy to eliminate sexual harassment in all educational institutions across the country.

In line with a landmark High Court order, the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) under the Ministry of Education has prepared a comprehensive guideline, which is currently awaiting to get in principal and final approval from the ministry.

For the first time, the proposed guideline brings email, SMS and social media harassment, blackmail, and threats following rejection of romantic advances under the category of serious offences, beyond physical contact.

DSHE Director General (acting) Professor BM Abdul Hannan said this would be the country’s first comprehensive guideline to ensure a safe environment for women.

“The draft of the guideline has been sent to the ministry for final approval. Once approved, all public and private institutions and other concerned offices under DSHE nationwide will be mandatorily required to ensure a safe environment for women,” he said.

The guideline would protect not only female students, it will be applicable in the cases of women teachers, officers and staffs, he said.

Kamrun Nahar, Assistant Director of DSHE’s Planning and Development Wing, said a timely guideline had been prepared in line with the High Court’s order.
 
Once the guideline is approved, it will be sent to all education officers across the country, she said.
 
She said implementation of the guideline would help dismantle a long-standing culture of fear in DSHE offices and educational institutions, ensuring a women-friendly education administration and learning environment.

Under the proposed guideline, each institution must form a five-member special investigation committee led by a woman, ensure completion of investigations within 30 to 60 days, and include strict administrative measures such as temporary suspension of the accused. 

Beyond punitive actions, the draft also emphasizes confidentiality of the victim’s identity and provides an appeal mechanism up to the DSHE Director General.

The definition of sexual harassment has been significantly expanded to reflect contemporary realities. In addition to physical contact, it includes sending objectionable messages via phone, email, SMS or social media; displaying pornography; and recording videos for the purpose of blackmail.

The acts defined as sexual harassment in the draft include: making sexually suggestive remarks, whistling, using obscene language or comments; sending sexually explicit images, cartoons or messages via phone, SMS, email or social media; capturing, storing or disseminating images or videos with intent to defame; abusing institutional authority to seek sexual relations; issuing threats after rejection of romantic advances; and depriving someone of marks in examinations or other benefits for refusing sexual demands.

The guideline mandates the formation of a robust five-member “complaints committee” in every institution with a majority of women members. 

Where possible, the chairperson or convener should be a woman. Two external expert members—particularly those working on gender and human rights—must be included. A complaint box must be installed in a visible location within the institution.

Under the guideline, victims may submit a written complaint either personally or through a lawyer within 30 working days of the incident. During investigations, strict confidentiality of both complainant and accused must be maintained until guilt is proven. 

The committee must submit its investigation report within 30 working days, extendable up to 60 days in special cases. Testimonies may be recorded through audio-visual devices, but victims must not be subjected to humiliating questions. Maliciously false complaints may also invite disciplinary action.

If justice is not served at the institutional level or an application is rejected, the guideline provides for appeals at higher levels—to the regional director for colleges and the Regional Deputy Director for schools. As a final step, victims may lodge complaints directly with the DSHE Director General.

The proposed guideline includes provisions for strict administrative and legal action against the accused. 

During the investigation and until guilt is proven, the relevant authority must temporarily suspend the accused. If the accused is a student, they may be barred from attending regular classes based on the committee’s recommendation.

Sexual harassment allegations will be treated as “misconduct.” In line with disciplinary rules of all public and private educational institutions and workplaces, authorities must take appropriate disciplinary action within 30 working days of receiving a complaint. If an offence falls under the Penal Code or other prevailing laws, victims retain the full right to pursue legal action in court.

The guideline emphasizes prevention alongside justice. Heads of institutions are instructed to ensure  Safe Coexistence between male and female colleagues. Regular self-defense training or programs for students should be organized while counseling and awareness sessions should be arranged on the harmful impacts of sexual harassment. Moreover, existing laws and constitutional fundamental rights in simple language should be displayed on notice boards.