How to File a Police Complaint Harassment Bangladesh

Two types of police records are available:

• GD (General Diary): A record of an incident or complaint at the station level. Less formal, no automatic investigation begins. Use for minor incidents or to create an official record.
• FIR (First Information Report): Filed for cognizable offences — police must investigate. Triggers a formal criminal case. FIR is what starts a prosecution.

For serious harassment (physical assault, sexual harassment under Section 509 Penal Code, domestic violence), file an FIR. For milder incidents you want documented, a GD is appropriate.

1. Visit the nearest police station in your area (thana).
2. Ask to speak to the Officer-in-Charge (OC).
3. Provide a written complaint (ejahar) describing the incident: date, time, place, accused person's name/description, what happened, witnesses.
4. The officer must enter the FIR in the station register and give you a copy with the GD/FIR number.
5. Obtain the FIR copy — you are legally entitled to it.
6. If the accused is known, police should arrest and investigate.

Always keep a photocopy of your written complaint and the FIR number. Contact Advocate Md. Shah Alam if you need help drafting the ejahar.

Police refusal to register an FIR is common in Bangladesh. Your options:

• Approach the Superintendent of Police (SP) of the district — file a written complaint there.
• File a complaint directly in court: Under Section 190 CrPC, any Magistrate can take cognizance of an offence directly based on your complaint, bypassing police.
• File a writ petition in the High Court Division directing police to register your FIR.

A lawyer can draft the court complaint or writ petition on your behalf.

Specific offences for harassment cases:

• Eve-teasing / street harassment: Sections 76, 509 Penal Code; also Women & Children Repression Prevention Act 2000
• Sexual harassment at workplace: High Court guidelines 2009, Section 509 Penal Code
• Domestic violence/physical abuse: Domestic Violence (Prevention & Protection) Act 2010; Sections 323, 326, 498A Penal Code
• Online harassment / cyber bullying: Cyber Security Act 2023
• Stalking: Section 354D Penal Code (as amended)

Yes. The FIR can describe the unknown accused by physical description. Police will investigate and identify them.

Not legally required, but having a lawyer draft your ejahar ensures all key facts are included, the correct legal provisions are cited, and the complaint is taken seriously by police.

Police must submit a charge sheet or final report within 60–120 days (depending on the offence). Delays can be challenged in court.

Yes. File a complaint with the Police Headquarters or the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA). You can also file a writ petition in the High Court.