Functions of the Committee

Functions of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Complaints Committee

1. Prevention & Awareness

• Organize workshops, seminars, and training programs to educate students, faculty, and staff about:
• Gender sensitivity
• Recognizing and preventing sexual harassment
• Legal rights and redressal mechanisms
• Disseminate policies on sexual harassment through handbooks, websites, and notices
• Promote a culture of respect and zero tolerance for harassment

2. Complaint Handling

• Provide a confidential and accessible mechanism for submitting complaints (written/oral)
• Ensure protection against retaliation for complainants and witnesses
• Acknowledge complaints promptly and initiate procedures as per policy

3. Investigation

• Conduct impartial, time-bound inquiries into complaints
• Maintain strict confidentiality throughout the process
• Allow both parties (complainant & respondent) to present evidence, witnesses, and arguments
• Follow principles of natural justice (fair hearing, no bias)

4. Recommendations & Disciplinary Action

• Submit findings and recommendations to university authorities
• Recommend appropriate actions, which may include:
  • Warning, suspension, or expulsion (for students)
  • Disciplinary action, termination, or legal recourse (for staff/faculty)
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies and national laws

5. Support to Complainants

• Provide counseling and psychological support to victims
• Facilitate legal aid if required
• Ensure interim measures (e.g., class/workplace relocation, safety arrangements)

6. Policy Development & Review

• Draft, update, and enforce the university's anti-sexual harassment policy
• Align policies with national laws (e.g., Bangladesh Labour Act, High Court Guidelines 2009) and UGC directives
• Incorporate feedback from stakeholders for continuous improvement

7. Reporting & Documentation

• Maintain confidential records of complaints, proceedings, and outcomes
• Prepare annual reports for university authorities and regulatory bodies
• Ensure transparency (while protecting identities) in reporting trends and actions taken