sexual harassment

Be sincere so that accused of sexual violence cannot get bail: Anisul

Law Minister Anisul Huq has urged all concerned to be careful and sincere so that the people involved in the incidents of torture and rape of women and children cannot get bail from the High Court.
731 women raped in 6 months

The incident of violence against women, particularly rape, has increased significantly in the recent months comparing to that of the previous year, says a report of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.
Males should come forward to prevent sexual violence: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expresses her government’s firm stance against sexual violence including rape and called upon males of the country to be more vocal, preventing the epidemic of such incidents in the society.
204 ‘extrajudicial killings’ in 6 months: ASK

At least 204 people fell victim to “extrajudicial killings” by law enforcement agencies across the country in the last six months, Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) says.
Sexual harassment: RU students demand teacher's punishment

Around 100 students of Rajshahi University's Institute of Education and Research (IER) department form a human chain today demanding punishment to the teacher who allegedly sexually harassed two students of the institution.
Man arrested for raping a 7-yr-old girl

A man was arrested yesterday for raping a seven-year-old on Friday in Feni, while three others were arrested on charges of attempt to rape, sexual harassment and physical abuse in Pirojpur, Moulvibazar and Netrokona yesterday.
Sexual harassment: Mymensingh medical students postpone demo

Mymensingh Medical College (MMC) students, who were staging demonstration since Thursday protesting sexual harassment of their female fellow, have postponed their demonstration till June 30.
M’singh medical students boycott classes, exams

Students of Mymensingh Medical College boycott all classes and examinations following “inaction of the college authorities over the allegation of stalking by an outsider”.
Not forming body to prevent sexual harassment disappointing: HC

The High Court expresses dissatisfaction as committee for preventing sexual harassment is not formed at all educational institutions and workplaces across the country in line with its 2009 directives.
Sexual Abuse at Workplace: Legal framework inadequate

The overall legal framework for addressing sexual harassment at workplace is not equipped to effectively deal with the issue as many women still face the abuse, said women’s rights activists.
Impunity, moral decline to blame

A culture of impunity, moral degradation and culprits’ getting political backing in many cases are the major reasons why incidents of rape and sexual violence continue unabated in the country, according to experts and rights activists.
Rape Victims: Only female magistrates to record statements

From now on, only female magistrates will record statements of female and child victims of rape and sexual harassment in order to ensure fair investigation and justice, said a circular issued by the Supreme Court administration yesterday.
Feni Madrasa Principal: He enjoyed impunity

Despite some serious allegations against him in the past, the now arrested Feni madrasa Principal Siraj Uddoula managed to hold his post with protection from about a dozen influential locals, including some Awami League leaders.
The vicious maligning of a peaceful campaign

The tagline was very simple yet relayed a crucial message: “Ga Gheshe Daraben Na” (Don't stand so close).
A madrasa student made to 'pay' for protesting abuse

We are speechless with shock at the brutality inflicted on a female madrasa student in Feni, for refus-ing to withdraw a case she filed against the madrasa's principal who had sexually harassed her.
Sexual abuse cases in aid groups on the rise: Report

Leading aid agencies received at least 539 reports of sex abuse and harassment last year, an exclusive survey shows, a 13 percent increase on 2017 which charities said shows abuse victims are more willing to speak up.
The gaps in our laws we need to address

Sabrina Zarin, Barrister-at-Law, (Hon'ble Society or Lincoln's Inn, UK) and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, Partner in FM Associates, talks to The Daily Star's Moyukh Mahtab about needed reforms in sexual violence and harassment laws in Bangladesh and the importance of raising awareness, especially among children.
JU suspends 17 students

The authorities of Jahangirnagar University (JU) suspends 17 students for different periods over sexual harassment, for beating up fellow students and taking drugs on the campus.
Threatened by an abusive culture

The alleged sexual assault of an under-age female weightlifter sent shockwaves through the country's sports fraternity yesterday. Bengali daily Kaler Kantho revealed that a 17-year-old weightlifter was admitted to a mental hospital on October 23 because of mental trauma suffered in the aftermath of the alleged assault.
Natore DC made OSD for ‘sexual harassment’

Natore Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mohammad Golamur Rahman has been made officer on special duty (OSD) on charge of “harassing a female colleague”.
Harassment: Natore DC accused by a female colleague

A female colleague has accused the Natore deputy commissioner of harassing her by sending her “indecent” text messages and making “suggestive” proposals.
Another exec out amid sex harassment tension at Google

Google parent Alphabet confirmed that an executive accused of sexual harassment left the company without an exit package as tension over its handling of such matters heightened.
Stamp out sexual harassment in the media

Thanks to the rise of the #MeToo movement, issues related to sexual harassment and sexual assault, especially at the workplace, have received much-needed attention in recent times.
#MeToo: 20 women offer to testify against Akbar

As the #MeToo movement gains ground in India, 19 female journalists who worked with 'The Asian Age' newspaper and one who worked with Deccan Chronicle, came out in support of their colleague Priya Ramani who has accused union minister MJ Akbar of sexual harassment, a joint statement issued by them said.
Men should be worried

Men all over the world are getting worried. Or at least they should be. What started out as a movement in the US against sexual harassment of powerful men at top positions in Hollywood...
HC seeks report on workers sexually harassed abroad

The High Court today sought a report from the government about the details on how many Bangladeshi workers have been sexually harassed in foreign countries, including Saudi Arabia, so far.
Microsoft expands program for women returning to work

Microsoft Corp is expanding a program designed to increase its hiring of women seeking to rejoin the workforce, following a rash of complaints about sexual harassment and gender discrimination at the world’s largest software company.
Stop sexual harassment at work

Sexual harassment at workplace has emerged as a growing problem for women in Bangladesh as more women are now joining the workforce. Speakers at a discussion on Wednesday talked about the problems of harassment, violence and discrimination facing female professionals in general, and stressed on bringing in appropriate legislation to prevent them. Law, if enforced properly, can greatly help to curb such practices, but it is only part of the solution.
Harvey Weinstein charged with rape

Disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein is arraigned in a New York court, charged with rape and a criminal sex act on two women, nearly eight months after his career imploded in a blaze of accusations that triggered the #MeToo movement.
Tackling the menace of sexual harassment

It is extremely concerning that the guideline issued by the Supreme Court for addressing sexual harassment at educational institutions and workplaces remains unimplemented even after almost a decade. This means that universities and organisations have failed to fulfil their obligation to form committees responsible for investigating sexual harassment complaints and taking appropriate action.