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The Sexual Harassment Response Protocol sets a zero-tolerance approach, awareness-building measures, clearer provisions on punishment, and steps to build an effective support network, he added.

The protocol was developed under BBC Media Action’s project titled “Strengthening Women Journalists’ Network to Tackle Sexual Harassment”, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Speaking at the launch event, Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, president of the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh, said sexual harassment has become a social ill, and the protocol would not work if it remained confined to paper.

“This cannot be addressed through documents alone. There must be discussions in every newsroom,” he said, adding that media owners and editors must be responsible and that efforts should gradually spread to the district level.

BBC Media Action Bangladesh Country Director Al Mamun said the protocol was developed to help ensure a safer working environment in the media and would serve as an accountability framework for media owners and management.

“We often say the media reflects society. But when women’s participation remains limited, we must question whether the environment is supportive,” he said.

He added that it would only work if institutions adopted a zero-tolerance approach.

Conducting the programme, Women Journalists’ Network Bangladesh Coordinator Angur Nahar Monty said incidents of sexual harassment often remain hidden due to shame and social stigma.

“We feel uncomfortable and unsafe talking about it, but silence only allows the problem to continue,” she said, adding that the protocol was developed through consultations with women and men in media and should be seen as a starting point for ensuring safer workplaces for all.

Suliman Niloy, who prepared the protocol, said organisations already have legal obligations under the High Court directive and existing labour laws. “This protocol does not create new obligations. It helps institutions carry out existing responsibilities in a structured way,” he said.

Shararat Islam, communications analyst at UN Women Bangladesh, said, “We have policies, but enforcement is weak. This protocol can help bridge that gap if organisations take it seriously.” Implementation by major media houses could encourage others to follow, she added.

Academics, senior journalists, development partners, and media professionals also spoke at the programme.