Prominent journalist Farzana Binte Hossain has been honored with the Presidential Appreciation Award for her contribution to women’s safety and bringing qualitative changes in their social status through television reporting. She was awarded this honor by President Mohammad Abdul Hamid for her report titled “Sexual Harassment Law in Educational Institutions Not Being Followed.”
In 2009, the parliament passed a groundbreaking law to combat sexual harassment. However, due to negligence and the consideration of social and institutional respect, this law has not been effectively implemented. As a result, even though female students, as well as male students and teachers, are victims of sexual harassment in educational institutions, they do not receive proper justice. Farzana Binte Hossain highlighted this issue in her report. The special report aired on the country’s leading media outlet, Ekushey Television, was first noticed by the higher judiciary. Subsequently, the court, suo motu, issued a rule asking why the authorities of educational institutions should not be punished for neglecting the application of this law and regulation. This prompted the Education Department and the University Grants Commission to take action. As a result, special committees with five expert members were formed in every institution, and visible complaint boxes were installed. This brought relief to the students.
The impact of Farzana Binte Hossain’s televised report on the implementation of the law and the cessation of sexual harassment in educational institutions was acknowledged by President Mohammad Abdul Hamid and his office at Bangabhaban. Afterward, in an official meeting, the 21st President of Bangladesh expressed his gratitude to internationally renowned journalist and analyst Farzana Binte Hossain. Along with this, she was awarded a special certificate of Presidential Appreciation from the President’s Office.
President Abdul Hamid expressed hope that Farzana’s journalism, like in the past, will continue to play a role in highlighting societal and governmental discrepancies and corruption, contributing to justice and assisting the government. He also called on other journalists to fulfill their professional duties properly for the welfare of the state and the people.
