Dhaka: A former scientific officer of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), Faria Azad, currently studying abroad, has alleged harassment and derogatory discussions by some colleagues in a WhatsApp group. Faria claims to have received screenshots of ‘indecent and distasteful’ conversations about her in the group, which she shared with UNB. She has also emailed her complaints to the BFSA chairman, urging an investigation into the matter.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Faria’s complaint targets Chinmoy Pramanik, a food safety officer in Rajshahi; Abu Naser Mohammad Shafiullah in Jamalpur; Syed Sarfraz Hossain in Sylhet Metropolitan; Md Lokman Hossain in Rangpur; Md Shakib Hossain in Moulvibazar; and Mohammad Ali Jinnah, a drug supervisor at the Directorate General of Drug Administration’s headquarters. Faria has raised the issue publicly on social media, naming several current and former BFSA officials and colleagues.
In her post, Faria expressed her disappointment with the alleged discussions and revealed her understanding of why a former colleague, Laboni, removed former colleagues from her social media list after leaving the organization. Faria recounted past interactions with some individuals, questioning their involvement in the conversations. She criticized specific comments related to her personal life and divorce, urging restraint in discussing matters without full knowledge of the facts.
Faria has called for BFSA employees involved in the alleged discussions to remove themselves from her social media contacts. She questioned Chinmay Pramanik about allegedly sharing her photograph in the group and mentioned other individuals, including Mohammad Ali Zinnah and former employee Shakil Ahmed, for their alleged involvement. Considering further action, Faria plans to send the screenshots to higher authorities for investigation and consequences for those responsible.
Another female colleague, Farzia Huq, expressed concern over the incident, highlighting the disrespect faced by female colleagues. She noted that some individuals had apologized only after the discussions became public, casting doubt on the genuineness of their apologies. Huq has also filed a complaint against Shakil Ahmed of the Department of Narcotics Control Bangladesh in Joyopurhat.
Mehedi Hasan, a friend and former batchmate of Azad, also raised the allegations on social media, describing the group conversations as ‘highly indecent, sexually suggestive, and derogatory’ towards Azad. He urged the BFSA and the Directorate General of Drug Administration to investigate and take appropriate action if the claims are substantiated, referencing relevant rules and directives concerning workplace harassment.
Faria’s public stand against the alleged harassment has sparked calls for an impartial inquiry to ensure a safe and respectful work environment for women. Some accused individuals, including Syed Sarfaraz Hossain of Sylhet and Abu Naser Mohammad Shafiullah of Jamalpur, have denied the allegations. BFSA Chairman Md Shafiqul Islam confirmed receiving the complaint, emphasizing that it will be investigated thoroughly and that strict action will follow if the allegations are validated. He also promised measures to prevent future incidents of this nature.