Ordinance approved defining unwanted physical, verbal, non-verbal, and online conduct as sexual harassment
Harassment committed through social media, email, messaging platforms, and other information technologies will also be covered by the law
The Advisory Council has approved a new ordinance defining all forms of unwanted and demeaning physical, verbal, non-verbal, and online conduct as sexual harassment, making it immediately enforceable across all workplaces and educational institutions in the country.
The decision was announced today (29 January) at a press briefing following the Advisory Council's weekly meeting at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital by Chief Adviser's Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam.
He said the main objective of the 'Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplaces and Educational Institutions Ordinance, 2026,' is to ensure a safe, dignified, and inclusive environment for everyone, without discrimination based on religion, race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, or place of birth.
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The ordinance significantly expands the definition of sexual harassment, bringing under its scope all forms of gender-based unwanted and humiliating behaviour, including physical contact, verbal remarks, non-verbal gestures, as well as digital and online conduct. Harassment committed through social media, email, messaging platforms, and other information technologies will also be covered by the law.
Under the ordinance, all applicable workplaces and educational institutions will be required to form Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) within a stipulated timeframe. These committees will be empowered to receive complaints, conduct investigations, ensure protection during inquiries, and recommend appropriate disciplinary action. Punishments may include reprimand, demotion, dismissal from service, or expulsion from educational institutions.
To protect complainants, the ordinance mandates a survivor-centric approach, ensuring safety, confidentiality, and dignity throughout the process. Any form of retaliation against complainants has been strictly prohibited, with provisions for punishment. Safeguards have also been included to ensure fairness in cases of false complaints.
For the informal sector, where forming internal complaints committees may not be feasible, the ordinance provides for the establishment of local complaints committees through district administrators and upazila nirbahi officers.
Shafiqul Alam said the government believes the ordinance will create a strong legal framework to ensure safety, accountability, and justice in workplaces and educational institutions nationwide.
