Formulate policy to stop student harassment

Speakers at a discussion yesterday called for formulating policy to stop harassment of students in educational institutions.
The meeting was organised under the banner of 'Repressed Students Council of BCIC College' run by Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation in Mirpur in the city.
Held at Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium, the discussion was co-sponsored by Bangladesh Mahila Parishad and Bangladesh Udichi Shilpi Goshthi.
In a written statement, Council Convener Sumaia Hasan Ishan mentioned about alleged malpractices that are prevalent in the college under the leadership of Principal Abdul Aziz Mondol.
These include collection of lakhs of taka in the name of college magazine which was never published, holding of examination every day for strengthening teachers' welfare association by selling khata to the students, turning the institution into a real estate company in the name of implementing a housing scheme for the teachers when there is no common room for female students and no Shaheed Minar on the college premises.
The council also placed a 10-point demand which include withdrawal of the principal and his associates, re-employment of two innocent terminated teachers, establishing a Shaheed Minar and a common room for female students, cancelling private tuition and selling khatas by the teachers, and observing national and cultural days with due importance.
Journalist Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul suggested for a committee comprising students, teachers and guardians to resolve the problem.
AN Rashida, a representative of the teachers, said the initiative should be taken at the local level.
Vice-president of Bangladesh Udichi Shilpi Goshthi Prof Badiur Rahman, while chairing the meeting, suggested for an act against sexual harassment instead of formulating a policy.
The speakers also suggested for the installation of complaint box in educational institutions.
Justice Golam Rabbani, General Secretary of Sammilito Sangskritik Jote Golam Kuddus and Advocate Masuda Rehana Begum of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad were present on the occasion.