North South University (NSU) organized a two-day faculty workshop titled “Fostering Respectful Workplaces: Awareness of Sexual Harassment and Gender Equity” on 5-6 May 2026. The initiative aimed to enhance awareness, strengthen understanding, and promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture within the university community, a press release said.
The workshop was organized by the Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), NSU. The program commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Halimur R. Khan, Director of IQAC, NSU. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of raising awareness regarding sexual harassment and reaffirmed NSU’s strict zero-tolerance policy toward any form of harassment or discrimination. He further noted that the workshop marks the beginning of an ongoing series of awareness and capacity-building initiatives that will continue regularly to foster a respectful, safe, and inclusive academic and professional environment at the university.
The workshop series was inaugurated by Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of NSU, alongside Professor Nasar U. Ahmed, Pro-Vice Chancellor, NSU, and Professor Abdur Rob Khan, Treasurer of NSU. The distinguished speakers underscored the importance of creating a respectful and inclusive workplace through awareness-building initiatives and active faculty engagement.
In his remarks, NSU Vice-Chancellor 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, Pro Vice-Chancellor, addressed the participants during the inaugural session and highlighted the importance of sustained awareness and institutional commitment toward maintaining professional ethics and gender equity within the university.
Professor Abdur Rob Khan, Treasurer, also addressed the participants, stating, “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 (ECE), NSU, and Dr. Abantee Harun, Assistant Professor at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) and social activist. The sessions focused on awareness regarding sexual harassment, gender equity, professional conduct, respectful workplace behavior, 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 workshop facilitators- Professor Nova Ahmed on the first day and Professor Abantee Harun on the second day.
