Implement HC verdict to end sexual harassment

Women's rights activists at a workshop yesterday called on the government to implement the High Court guidelines to prevent sexual harassment of women at workplaces and educational institutions.
In a judgement on May 14, the HC also directed the government to make a law on the basis of the guidelines, and ruled that the guidelines will be treated as a law until the law is made.
Speakers at the workshop called on all government and non-government organisations as well as the educational institutions to formulate a code of conduct or gender policy and to form a committee to curb sexual harassment.
They also urged the media to come forward to raise awareness about the issue by publishing the High Court guidelines.
Bangladesh Nari Sangbadik Kendra (BNSK) in association with Diakonia Bangladesh, an NGO working to increase women's participation in journalism organised the workshop on 'The media's role in implementing the High Court judgements to end sexual harassment and issuance of Fatwa (religious edict)' at the WVA auditorium in the city.
Terming the High Court verdict a landmark judgement, President of Bangladesh National Women Lawyers' Association Salma Ali said, "It is important to make the people aware of the fact that sexual harassment is now a punishable crime, so that they remain alert and the victims come forward to take legal action."
About the fatwa issue, Barrister Sara Hossain said issuing fatwa is a gross violation of the rule of law.
Bangladesh Mahila Parishad President Ayesha Khanam stressed the need to organise the community people to put an end to fatwa and other illegal activities.
Around 51 female journalists from across the country attended the workshop and shared their experiences related to sexual harassment.
Country representative of Diakonia Bangladesh Sultana Begum, BNSK General Secretary Parveen Sultana Jhumu and Nurjahan Bose, writer of Agunmukhar Meye, also spoke at the programme presided over by BNSK President Nasimun Ara Huq.