The National Highway Authority (NHA) has warned its employees against workplace harassment following at least 10 verbal complaints from female interns this year. The complaints reportedly concern alleged misconduct by officers and officials during their internship placements.
The matter reached the NHA’s Committee for Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace. Consequently, the committee issued a circular directing employees to maintain professional standards and avoid harassment or inappropriate behaviour.
Although the interns reportedly approached the committee verbally, none had submitted a formal written complaint. Their concerns were addressed individually, with senior officials from the relevant wings involved in the process.
The NHA regularly engages college and university students as interns to provide practical experience in a professional environment. These placements generally take place around the middle of the year.
What Does the NHA’s Harassment Warning Say?
In its circular, the committee described the complaints as a matter of “great concern” and an embarrassment for the organisation. It directed employees to avoid sexually oriented remarks, inappropriate comments, gestures and unwanted physical contact.
The instructions cover employees, interns and trainees across the authority. Furthermore, the circular emphasised that professional conduct must extend to every form of official communication.
Employees must keep telephone calls, text messages, emails and social media interactions appropriate. They must also respect the dignity and privacy of colleagues, interns and trainees, regardless of gender, rank or religion.
NHA Warns Against Misuse of Official Authority
The authority has specifically prohibited employees from using their positions, influence or official powers to seek personal or sexual favours. The circular also warns against intimidation, victimisation or retaliation against anyone who reports a workplace harassment complaint.
Additionally, the committee directed staff to maintain discipline, decency and professional behaviour when dealing with colleagues, subordinates, interns, trainees and visitors.
The instructions apply across the organisation, including its headquarters, zones, regions, projects and sections. Heads of wings and other supervisory officials must circulate the directions among their staff and ensure compliance.
Disciplinary Action Under Workplace Harassment Law
The NHA has warned that employees who violate the instructions could face disciplinary proceedings under the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, as amended in 2022.
Chief Executive Officer Captain (Retired) Asadullah Khan confirmed that the matter had come to his attention. He also pledged strict action against employees found responsible for misconduct, including cases involving verbal complaints.
“I have issued the directions. No one will be spared,” he said. “The issue is not tolerable.”
The authority’s response signals a stricter approach to workplace conduct following the reported complaints. However, the complaints remain allegations, and the available information does not establish that any employee has been formally found guilty.
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