The American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) participated in the Signing Ceremony of the “Ending Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Public Spaces, Workplaces and Tertiary Educational Institutions in Bangladesh (ESGBV)” project, held on 27 August 2026 at the Auditorium of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Bhaban in Dhaka. The partnership brings together UN Women and the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh to strengthen institutional capacity in addressing gender-based violence, including sexual harassment, and to promote safer and more inclusive spaces in and around universities across the country.

A delegation from AIUB attended the signing ceremony, including Prof. Dr. Saiful Islam, Vice Chancellor, AIUB; Prof. Dr. Manzur H. Khan, Proctor, AIUB; Prof. Dr. Farheen Hassan, SFHEA, Director, AIUB-IQAC; Mr. Farhad Alim from the Human Resources Department (HRD); and Ms. Nazia Farhana, Additional Director, AIUB-IQAC.

The ceremony was attended by representatives and senior leadership from the five selected partner universities, namely Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur; Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet; Khulna University; Daffodil International University; and American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB). Representatives from UN Women, the European Union Delegation to Bangladesh, UGC, and project partners were also present, reflecting a collective commitment towards preventing sexual and gender-based violence in tertiary educational institutions.

The program commenced with a welcome speech by Dr. Sultan Mahmud Bhuiyan, Director, International Collaboration Division, UGC , followed by remarks from distinguished guests, including  Gitanjali Singh, Representative, UN Women , and  Baiba Zarina, Deputy Head of Delegation and Head of Political, Economic, Trade, Press and Information Section, European Union Delegation to Bangladesh . The ceremony also featured remarks from Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Chairperson, UGC, as Chief Guest.

During the session on Partnership and Institutional Commitment, moderated by Shrabana Datta, EVAW Unit Manager, UN Women, representatives from the five partner universities shared their reflections, expectations and institutional commitments towards preventing SGBV on their respective campuses. During this session, Prof. Dr. Saiful Islam, Vice Chancellor, AIUB, delivered a speech, sharing AIUB's perspective and commitment to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive university environment. The participation of faculty members and representatives from different universities further enriched the discussion and highlighted the importance of a coordinated institutional approach to preventing SGBV.

The formal signing ceremony was held between representatives of the UGC and UN Women, marking an important step in strengthening collaboration under the ESGBV project. The partnership is aimed at supporting universities in developing stronger institutional mechanisms and collective approaches to address gender-based violence and sexual harassment and promote safe spaces for all members of the university community.

AIUB's participation in this significant initiative reflects its continued commitment to creating a safer, more inclusive and respectful campus environment. Through collaboration with UGC, UN Women, the European Union, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), and partner universities, AIUB looks forward to contributing to sustained institutional and student-led efforts towards preventing sexual and gender-based violence and promoting positive change within higher education.