Sexual Harassment as a Systemic Issue in Bangladesh: Power, Accountability, and Institutional Failures in Public Universities

In light of the High Court Directive, educational institutions and workplaces must establish a Sexual Harassment Complaint Committee (SHCC) to address the systemic issue of sexual harassment. This study examines the prevalence of sexual harassment in public universities in Bangladesh, focusing on power dynamics, accountability, and institutional shortcomings. The research was conducted among students at Dhaka University and Pabna University of Science and Technology. Despite the establishment of SHCC, sexual harassment remains a persistent issue on campuses, with students experiencing various forms of harassment, including verbal and non-verbal. Social stigma, academic consequences, and lack of trust in legal procedures prevent students from reporting incidents. The study reveals that victims often feel disillusioned due to the lack of punishment for perpetrators and inadequate cooperation from SHCC members. The findings raise concerns about the effectiveness of SHCC in public universities in Bangladesh. This study emphasizes the need for systemic change to address the culture of silence and impunity surrounding sexual harassment in public universities.