On 12 September, 2018, a coalition of civil society, unions and international organizations submitted a draft law on preventing gender-based violence in public and private institutions in Bangladesh. The draft was developed through the efforts of the Gender Platform, which involves Awaj Foundation, Fair Wear Foundation, Mondiaal FNV, Karmojibi Nari, BILS, BLF, BNWLA, OSHE and IndustriALL Bangladesh Council and in consultation with a broad range of stakeholders. The draft on Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace was presented to the Honourable Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Anisul Haque and to the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Md. Mujibul Haque.
In a 2009 decision by the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, it was mandated that preventative measures against sexual harassment should be implemented at all workplaces. This draft law builds on that mandate and broadens the scope to include education institutions and all public and private organizations. Moreover, it suggests strengthening the provisions on establishing anti-harassment committees in all organizations and bolstering accountability mechanism to effectively address and prevent gender-based violence.