DU Correspondent 

In the light of the anti-discrimination spirit following the mass uprising, the Dhaka University administration, in consultation with stakeholders, has taken several effective initiatives to prevent sexual assault and harassment. As part of this, the investigation committee on sexual assault has been reconstituted.

The reconstituted Central Committee against Sexual Harassment is being convened by Prof Dr. Upma Kabir, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology. The other members of the committee are:

Advocate Salma Ali, President, Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association.

Prof Dr. Mirza Taslima Sultana, Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University.

Prof Dr. Md. Kamrul Hasan, Department of Physics, Dhaka University. Prof Dalia Parveen, Department of Law, University of Dhaka, Prof Dr. Umme Bushra Fatema Sultana, Department of Women and Gender Studies, University of Dhaka were present. 

In addition, an advisory committee has been formed under the chairmanship of Pro-Vice Chancellor (Admin) Prof Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha to review the university's existing policies and procedures to prevent sexual assault, sexual harassment, bullying, ragging, etc.

Other members of the committee are:

Professor of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism Dr. Giti Ara Nasreen, Professor of the Department of Development Studies Dr. Suchita Sharmin, Professor of the Department of Women and Gender Studies Dr. Ayesha Banu and Dean of the Faculty of Law Professor Dr. Md. Ikramul Haque.

Following the recommendations of the Advisory Committee, the university administration has taken several important decisions. 

In view of the decision to form a 5-member Bullying and Ragging Prevention Committee with the Central Investigation Committee against Sexual Harassment and Oppression, a committee has been formed with Professor Dr. Shahnaz Huda, Law Department, Dhaka University, as the convener. The other members of the committee are: Provost of Bangladesh-Kuwait Friendship Hall, Prof Dr. Mahbuba Sultana, Dean of the School of Law, Independent University Bangladesh, Prof Dr. Mohammad Nazmuzzaman Bhuiyan, Provost of Fazlul Haque Muslim Hall, Dhaka University, Prof Md. Ilias Al-Mamun, and Assistant Professor and Assistant Proctor of the Department of Public Administration. 

The central administration of Dhaka University has directed the deans of all faculties, all institute directors, provosts of all halls, and hostel wardens to follow a 'zero tolerance policy' against sexual harassment, sexual assault, bullying, ragging, and stalking, etc.

The administration is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and non-discriminatory education system with the participation of all and is working tirelessly to prevent sexual assault, sexual harassment, bullying, ragging, and stalking.