The High Court, in a bid to stamp out child abuse and bullying, has ordered complaint boxes to be set up in the school premises.
The bench of justices FRM Nazmul Ahasan and KM Kamrul Kader gave the order on Wednesday (Jul 10) while hearing a petition filed over the suicide of Viqarunnisa Noon School and College student Aritree Adhikari.
“A complaint box must be kept at every school to hear the complaints of child abuse,” the court said.
It added that the box will make it easier for them to come forward with their problems since they are unable to convey it to their parents or the school authorities.
The court then ordered the deputy attorney general, who was present, to spread awareness regarding the box and to see if the information ministry can be made party to the case.
It also ordered the state counsel to consult the law ministry to see whether someone in the deputy commissioner level can be attached to the bullying-prevention committees in the schools.
“If the head of a school also heads the committee and charges are brought against them, how will the committee probe it?”
The HC ordered the bullying-prevention committee’s progress report in Aritree’s suicide case to be submitted by Oct 22.