Sexual Harassment in Higher Educational Institutions in Bangladesh: Contemporary Trends and Challenges

Sexual harassment is deep-seated in historical and organizational inequality concerning males and females in power relations. In the education sector, sexual harassment is a fiery matter in Bangladesh and extraterritorial areas. Diverse historical, social, cultural and political issues are fundamental to these trends and practices. The study's main objectives are to understand the patterns and contemporary trends of sexual harassment in higher educational institutions in Bangladesh. To identify the influencing factors in higher educational institutions in conducting sexual harassment offenses. The findings reveal that individuals experience online social harassment, including unsolicited calls discussing sexual harassment and messages implying romantic involvement. Personal space violations by acquaintances and public incidents of inappropriate behavior also occur. In educational settings, inappropriate touching and discussions about physical appearances are prevalent. Committees addressing sexual harassment often prove ineffective. Power dynamics allow manipulation of crime reports, while gender-based violence's financial impact varies. The multifaceted origins of sexual harassment involve social factors and differing adherence to ethics. Mental pressure impacts academic performance, and gender-based violence relates to limited female representation in specific university organizations. Extracurricular activities contribute to the issue. The recommendations center around establishing institutional accountability, taking proactive actions to address sexual harassment, recognizing the importance of sexual complaint committees, providing mental support for survivors, increasing awareness through educational initiatives, involving extracurricular activities to combat harassment, and offering financial support to students facing economic challenges. These recommendations collectively aim to create a safer and more inclusive environment within public universities, ensuring that incidents of sexual harassment are addressed effectively while fostering a supportive community for all members.