North South University organised a two-day faculty workshop titled “Fostering Respectful Workplaces: Awareness of Sexual Harassment and Gender Equity” on 5–6 May.

The initiative aimed to enhance awareness, strengthen understanding, and promote a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace culture within the university community.

The workshop was organised by the Institutional Quality Assurance Cell of North South University.

The programme began with a welcome address by the Director of the Institutional Quality Assurance Cell, Dr Halimur R Khan.

In his remarks, he emphasised the importance of raising awareness about sexual harassment and reaffirmed the university’s strict zero-tolerance policy towards any form of harassment or discrimination.

He also said the workshop marked the beginning of an ongoing series of awareness and capacity-building initiatives that would continue regularly to foster a respectful, safe and inclusive academic and professional environment at the university.

The workshop series was inaugurated by North South University Vice-Chancellor Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, along with Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Nasar U Ahmed and Treasurer Professor Abdur Rob Khan.

The speakers underscored the importance of creating a respectful and inclusive workplace through awareness-building initiatives and active faculty engagement.

In his remarks, Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury encouraged faculty members to actively participate in such initiatives to help strengthen a more supportive and respectful academic culture.

Professor Dr Nasar U Ahmed addressed the participants during the inaugural session and highlighted the importance of sustained awareness and institutional commitment to maintaining professional ethics and gender equity within the university.

Professor Abdur Rob Khan also addressed the participants, saying, “A respectful workplace is not created through policies alone. It is created through everyday actions – through how we speak, how we behave, how we respond to others, and how we uphold the dignity of those around us.”

The workshop sessions were facilitated by Dr Nova Ahmed, professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at North South University, and Dr Abantee Harun, assistant professor at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh and a social activist.

The sessions focused on awareness about sexual harassment, gender equity, professional conduct, respectful workplace behaviour, and the importance of maintaining a safe and inclusive academic environment.

Through presentations, real-life case discussions and interactive group activities, participants were encouraged to reflect on practical challenges, institutional responsibilities and effective strategies for fostering mutual respect and professionalism within the university community.

On both days, the workshop concluded with a crest-giving ceremony for the facilitators – Professor Nova Ahmed on the first day and Professor Abantee Harun on the second day.