Bangladesh Orders Anti-Harassment Committees in Nursing and Medical Institutions

h Dhaka, Oct 6, 2025 (BSS) — The Directorate General of Nursing and Midwifery (DGNM) has taken a major step to ensure safer workplaces for women and children. It has ordered the creation of committees in all medical education and service institutions to prevent sexual harassment.
The directive follows a recent court order. It was issued in an official letter signed by DGNM’s Director (Administration) and Deputy Secretary, Md. Momin Uddin.
According to the letter, every institution must now form a Workplace Safety and Security Committee (WSPC). These committees will hold regular meetings to prevent harassment and introduce protective measures for staff and students. The initiative aims to make the healthcare education sector a safer and more respectful environment.

Based on High Court Directive

Earlier this year, on January 9, a High Court bench led by Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice S. M. Maniruzzaman ordered the formation of anti-harassment committees across all government and private offices. This ruling was designed to protect employees, students, and service seekers from any form of abuse or misconduct.
Lawyers Syeda Nasrin and Shahinuzzaman represented the writ petition that prompted this ruling. As a result, DGNM’s new directive extends the court’s order to medical and nursing institutions under its supervision.
This move reflects Bangladesh’s growing commitment to gender equality and workplace safety. It also encourages a culture of accountability and respect across the country’s healthcare education sector