Dhaka: Observing that sexual harassment at workplaces and educational institutions has turned out to be a serious disease in recent days, speakers at a roundtable discussion on Tuesday urged the government to enact a law in light of the High Court verdict to prevent it.

They said the sexual harassment happens frequently at educational institutions and workplaces across the country.

Proposing a draft law on the issue, representative of Gender Platform, an NGO, said Bangladesh still lacks necessary law to protect women from sexual harassment although many countries in the world have already enacted and enforced law in this regard.

Fair Wear Foundation organised the discussion titled: “Consultation Meeting with Factory Management on Prevention and Protection of Sexual Harassment at Workplace and Educational Institution 2018” at the Daily Star Complex in the city.

The draft says the proposed law will be applicable for educational institutions and workplaces under public, private, semi-government, autonomous, formal, non-formal and individual organisations under private ownership.

The seminar was addressed by Catelene Passchier, president of the Workers Group of the ILO and Special Advisor of FNV, and Alexander Kohnstmm, executive director of Fair Wear Foundation, and representatives of different garment factories, NGOs and women rights organisations.