Key highlights:
- A staggering 87% of female students in Bangladeshi higher education institutions have disclosed instances of sexual harassment occurring on campuses.
- Verbal sexual harassment affects 60% of victims, while non-verbal harassment affects 51.4%.
- A Jagannath University student, Farzana Mim, brought her sexual harassment grievances to the president after receiving no resolution within the university despite filing a complaint with the Detective Branch.
Sexual harassment, a pervasive issue worldwide, has found a new breeding ground – university campuses in Bangladesh. This alarming trend is not only disrupting the academic environment but also posing a significant threat to the mental and emotional well-being of students.
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Reports from educationists and rights activists indicate that incidents of sexual violence, encompassing acts like rape and harassment, persist within public universities nationwide, largely due to administrative inaction and a decline in moral standards.
A staggering 87% of female students in Bangladeshi higher education institutions have disclosed instances of sexual harassment occurring on campuses, surpassing the global average by a significant margin, according to Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust research. This alarming statistic stresses the existence of a profound and pressing issue demanding immediate attention.
The majority of victims endure verbal or nonverbal sexual harassment perpetrated by male students, strangers, or university faculty. Verbal sexual harassment affects 60% of victims, while non-verbal harassment affects 51.4%. These numbers are not only alarming but are compounded by a pervasive culture of silence surrounding such incidents.
A recent study also found that 90% of university students opt not to report incidents of sexual harassment. This reluctance stems mainly from fears about the uncertain prospects of receiving justice and the potential for personal character defamation. Alarmingly, the study highlighted that a significant portion of these victims, approximately 9%, experienced harassment at the hands of their own teachers.
Recent events at Jagannath University, including instances of sexual harassment and the tragic suicide of a victim, stress the failure of educational institutions to effectively address and prevent on-campus harassment.
Recent Incidents of Universities Grappling with Surge in Sexual Harassment Claims
A Jagannath University student, Farzana Mim, brought her sexual harassment grievances to the president after receiving no resolution within the university despite filing a complaint with the Detective Branch. She lodged a formal complaint at the Bangabhaban on Tuesday (March 19), citing threats to her life and potential expulsion for accusing a faculty member.
This follows the tragic suicide of law student Fairuz Sadaf Abantika, allegedly due to sexual harassment and threats. Mim also reported harassment by her department’s teacher, Abu Shahed Emon, to the Detective Branch, along with ongoing death threats. In November 2023, Abantika’s complaint to the university proctor about prolonged harassment went unaddressed, leading to her recent demise.
On February 3, Mustafizur Rahman, a former student at Jahangirnagar University along with his associates, allegedly assaulted a woman on campus, sparking intense protests.
In another incident, a female student from Chittagong University filed a formal complaint with university authorities on January 31, accusing Dr. Mahbubul Matin in the Chemistry department of physical harassment during her thesis work. She alleged an attempted violation when called to the supervisor’s room on January 13, accompanied by threats to keep silent, addressed not only to her but also to her 2 lab mates.
In response to student protests, authorities formed a probe committee to investigate the matter. Additionally, in July 2022, Chittagong University suspended four students for one year each due to harassment allegations involving two female students in the prior year.
Dr. Naadir Junaid, a Mass Communication and Journalism professor at Dhaka University, recently faced accusations of sexual harassment and psychological abuse from a female student.
Md Nurul Islam from Dhaka University’s Social Welfare and Research Institute was also accused of sexual harassment in November last year.
What Pushes University Teachers to Aggression?
The answer is “Power”. Sexual abuse is intricately linked to power dynamics, going beyond mere gratification to desire dominance over others, stemming from factors like gender inequality and societal norms. Perpetrators exploit their authority to violate others’ autonomy, reflecting societal imbalances.
Teachers, generally undervalued, are notably respected at universities, exhibiting a level of dominance surpassing other academic settings and workplaces. They wield significant influence over students’ futures, controlling grades and crucial recommendations for employment or further education abroad.
From class participation to quizzes, exams, assignments, presentations, and even oral examinations, students’ academic success hinges entirely on their teachers.
Are Current Measures Enough to Tackle Sexual Harassment in Education?
Given the intricate layers of inequality within educational institutions, effectively addressing this issue necessitates a comprehensive approach that involves all relevant stakeholders. The challenge lies not so much in the absence of policies but in their effective implementation, particularly when both perpetrators and adjudicators have affiliations with ruling political elites or their associates.
Despite a High Court directive in 2009 mandating the formation of Sexual Harassment Prevention Committees (SHPC) in all educational institutions, the majority have yet to comply, as of 2019.
A significant hurdle in implementation arises from a lack of awareness among both students and faculty members regarding their rights and responsibilities. One potential solution could entail mandatory sexual misconduct prevention training for students and faculty, modeled after successful programs seen in universities abroad.
For instance, Boston University in the US requires annual two-part online training for its students and staff, aimed at equipping them to intervene effectively in situations that could escalate into sexual violence. The University Grants Commission (UGC) in Bangladesh could explore similar initiatives tailored to address the specific needs of the local context.
Sexual harassment on university campuses in Bangladesh has evolved into a distressing endemic, leaving scars on the academic landscape and the emotional well-being of students. Yet, amidst these grim realities, a crucial question arises: Are current measures sufficient to combat sexual harassment in education?
The answer lies not only in policy formulation but also in their effective implementation, requiring a concerted effort from all stakeholders. As we ponder this question, it becomes imperative to push for comprehensive solutions that dismantle power dynamics and foster a culture of respect and safety on campuses.
