SDG Initiative
Employment Policies and Practices
American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) demonstrates a strong
commitment to fair and ethical employment practices, guided by policies that
ensure equity, inclusivity, and human dignity. AIUB ensures all employees,
including faculty and staff, are compensated at or above the local living
wage. The university enforces strict policies to end workplace
discrimination, protecting employees from biases based on religion, gender,
age, sexuality, disability, and other factors, in alignment with its
Non-Discrimination Policy. AIUB stands firmly against modern slavery, child
labor, forced labor, and human trafficking, promoting a safe and ethical
work environment for all employees, this commitment extends to third-party
workers too. AIUB also actively pursues pay scale equity, continuously
measuring and addressing gender pay gaps to ensure fair compensation.
Tracking pay scales for gender equity is a regular practice, supporting the
university’s objective of fostering a balanced and respectful workplace
conditions across its operations.
To address issues related to workplace discrimination, AIUB has implemented
comprehensive non-discrimination policies, established dedicated committees,
and provides a variety of services and benefits to ensure equality and
support for all employees and students. The initiatives are outlined below:
Employment policy on discrimination
American International University-Bangladesh have policies on ending
discrimination in the workplace. The policies and committees are developed
focused on the ending discrimination:
AIUB Non-discrimination Policy
The commitment of the American International University–Bangladesh (AIUB) to
the most fundamental principles of human dignity, equality of opportunity
and academic freedom requires that decisions involving students and
employees be based on individual merit and be free from all forms of
discrimination.
The American International University–Bangladesh (AIUB) will not engage in
or endorse discrimination or harassment against any students and employees
because of religion, race, color, age, disability, nationality, marital
status, sexual orientation including gender identity.
This nondiscrimination policy applies to student admissions, employment,
access to and engagement in the university programs and activities.
The complaint and grievance procedures of AIUB provide student and employees
with the methods for the resolution of complaints that allege a violation of
this statement. All such inquiries or complaints are to addressed and acted
by the appropriate office (Office of Student Affairs for students and the
Office of the Human Resources for employees).
AIUB Non-Discriminatory Employment Policy
AIUB employs qualified and selected employees of any age, gender, sexual
orientation, race, disability, color, religion, and national or ethnic
origin to all the rights, underrepresented groups, privileges, programs, and
activities generally accorded or made available to employees.
AIUB does not discriminate on the basis of :
1. Age
2. Gender or gender identity
3. Sexual orientation
4. Race
5. Disability
6. Color
7. Religion
8. National or ethnic origin
9. Underrepresented groups
10. Under privileged groups
in administration of its employment and other relevant policies.
For all of its faculties and staff, the American International
University–Bangladesh (AIUB) has a dedicated and uniform pay scale structure
in accordance with the Government of Bangladesh (GOB) wage policy. In
addition, the structured pay scale of the AIUB guarantees greater benefits
than the mandated wages set by the GOB specified for various sectors through
gazette notifications. The commitment of AIUB to its core values of respect
for human dignity, equality of opportunity, and academic freedom is
protected through its internal and external policies including wages. As a
result, there is no pay inequalities based on gender orientation at AIUB.
By no means, AIUB allows forced labour, modern slavery, human trafficking
and child labour defined by the national and international framework. All
the faculties and staff who works at AIUB, whether on a permanent, contract
or temporary capacity, have attained 18 years of age. AIUB facilitate
national and international correspondence based on compassion, empathy and
sincerity. AIUB’s commitment to human values and dignity is praiseworthy.
AIUB strongly condemn any forms of forced labour, modern slavery, human
trafficking and child labour nationally and globally.
All forms of outsourcing, including faculty and staff, are acceptable at
AIUB as well as equal rights for all employees are guaranteed. Any
individual has the opportunity to work at AIUB, regardless of his religion,
race, caste, sex, or place of birth. AIUB offers opportunities for both
citizens and foreigners while emphasizing the spirit of the UN Charter and
the Constitution of Bangladesh. In addition, AIUB harmonizes the essence of
human rights within the framework of the organizational policies and norms.
Diversity and Equality Committee
American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) is committed to
inclusive excellence where diversity and equality are embedded and
manifested in all activities and strategic directions of the university. It
is dedicated to creating and maintain an environment within which inclusive
learning, fair treatment and diversity are valued and discrimination is
challenged. The diversity and inclusion committee are dedicated to
continuously improve in addressing any discrimination or equality issues
within the university community.
The goal of this committee is to promote and support a diverse community of
students and employees
The Diversity and Equality Committee of AIUB has representatives from both
academic and administrative employees. The committee is Chaired by the Vice
Chancellor, with the members as follows:
⦁ Representative from each Faculty
⦁ Representative from Office of the Registrar
⦁ Representative from Office of Human Resources - Secretary
⦁ Representative from Office of Student Affairs
⦁ Representative from IQAC
⦁ Representative from Office of Administration
⦁ Representative from Student Community
Functions of the Diversity and Equality Committee:
⦁ Periodically review diversity, equality, inclusion, and human right
polices and recommend for changes or revisions
⦁ Monitor the University’s policies, procedures and ensure its
implementations
⦁ Regularly undertake data analysis and conduct surveys of focus
groups to improve the student experience on academic areas and wellbeing
initiatives
⦁ Working closely with the other departments, the committee also
provide extra teaching and learning resources to help students with their
study skills and overall university life
⦁ Encourage and support students, faculty and employees who take part
in diversity and equality activities
⦁ Ensure to provide appropriate diversity and equality related
capacity building activities to all students, faculty, and employees
⦁ Evaluate diversity and equality related progress and its impacts on
different stakeholders of the university
Employee Benefits & Policies
Employee Health Insurance Scheme
AIUB provides health insurance scheme to all the employees including women
and employees from underrepresented groups. Through this scheme employees
can avail the best health facilities. All the employees of AIUB are also
covered for life insurance regardless of religion, race, color, nationality,
marital status, sexual orientation including gender identity.
Study Loan
AIUB values its employees and their pursuit for higher education,
prioritizing on ensuring not just accessible, but affordable education as
well. In a commitment towards ensuring that, employees can avail study
loans, acknowledging the years of service, financial need, and professional
growth. The study loan is a no-interest option for full-time AIUB employees
to explore the prospects of higher education and secure resources to pursue
it. AIUB works with its academic and administrative employees to provide
them with the opportunity to undertake graduate or post-graduate programs
and further their holistic development in the long run.
Tuition Fee Waiver
At the AIUB, employees are always encouraged to pursue their higher
education and realize their full potential. AIUB offers tuition fee waivers
for all its full-time academic and administrative employees taking up any
graduate program at the university. Extended to their family, all AIUB
employees can also avail the tuition fee waiver for their first-degree
relations enrolling in any of the undergraduate or graduate programs of the
institution, enabling both employees and their families to accomplish both
personal and professional milestones.
Emergency Loan
Unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances are both uncertain and unavoidable,
and AIUB ensures that it is always there to support its employees in any and
every way possible. Full-time employees can apply for emergency loans, based
on the years of service, with no interest on repayment, in order to provide
financial assistance to personnel who have an immediate need for funds as a
result of an emergency. Regardless of whether they are going through
personal financial hardship or are having difficulty obtaining any other
source or means of finances within the time required, AIUB intends to be
there for its employees in need and equip them to recover their financial
condition.
Travel Grant
AIUB encourages all its employees to engage in research, both local and
international, for which it provides travel grants to support its employees
for publishing, presenting, or participating in national/international
publications, journals, conferences, exchange programs, etc. with quality
research papers, constructive training/workshop materials, or other
collaborative activities.
Study Leave
Aiding in their pursuit for higher education, AIUB offers study leaves to
full-time employees who wish to enhance their skills and knowledge through
graduate or postgraduate programs, home or abroad. The university aims to
enable personnel to focus on undertaking personal and professional
development through higher education, without having to give up their
employment here at AIUB.
Maternity Leave policy
AIUB values its gender-diverse workforce, working towards empowering,
promoting, and retaining its talented and dedicated female employees.
Understanding the obligations and responsibilities of motherhood, AIUB
provides consistent support to all its female academic and administrative
employees through its maternity leave. The university aims to ensure the
health and well-being of both mother and child, during and after pregnancy,
enabling them to continue their careers even after childbirth.
AIUB ensures fair and consistent treatment of all pregnant fulltime female
employees and support them to return to work after the birth of a child in
order to continue in their chosen career and allow the University to retain
trained and competent staff. The maternity benefits are offered to
permanent female employees of AIUB in the form of paid leave.
Paternity Leave policy
Parenting is not limited to motherhood, and AIUB recognizes the importance
of the involvement and care of a father that is essential for the proper
upbringing of a child. All male academic and administrative employees are
provided the support of paternity leave so that they can give the time and
attention to their child(ren) as well as the new mother during and after
pregnancy. The provision fosters an inclusive and accommodating workplace
that welcomes fathers into parenthood.
AIUB ensures that male employees can provide direct care to their spouse/
newborn babies. The paternity benefits are offered to permanent male
employees of AIUB in the form of paid leave.
Contributory Provident Fund [CPF] and Gratuity
AIUB has standard CPF and Gratuity Policy for its employees. AIUB is
providing CPF and Gratuity to its employees from 1st July, 2008 and 1st
January, 2016 respectively.
AIUB Day Care Facilities
As a part of its commitment to the university community, the American
International University–Bangladesh (AIUB) always strives to create an
environment that enables its students and employees to pursue their
educational and professional goals at the university. Childcare is an
integral part of parenthood but is also a challenge to manage when it comes
to full-time students or working parents. Hence, the AIUB Daycare Facility
is an initiative geared towards providing a form of support to the students
and employees, who have children and face the difficulties of having to care
for them during their study/work hours, enabling them to be able to balance
both their children’s responsibilities and study/work obligations. The
Daycare facility is a safe and secured place for the children to learn, play
and grow, giving the parents a peace of mind to pursue their education or
careers, knowing that their children are also a part of the AIUB family and
are being well taken care of.
and other benefits are provided based on needs and merit.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Center
The EDI center at AIUB is responsible for providing support, resources, and
advocacy for minority employees, students and communities. The
responsibilities include:
1. Provides support and advocacy for minority employees and students,
addressing their unique needs, concerns, and challenges. This includes
academic support, mental health resources, and assistance in navigating
campus resources.
2. Organizes cultural programming and events that celebrate and promote
diversity, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity on campus.
3. May offer diversity training and educational workshops for students,
faculty, and staff to increase awareness and understanding of diversity
issues and promote an inclusive campus culture.
4. May collaborate with the admission, human resource office to
implement recruitment strategies that attract a diverse body. Additionally,
they may work on retention initiatives to support the success and
persistence of minority students and employees.
5. Provides a safe and welcoming space for minority populations to
connect with one another, build a sense of community, and find a supportive
network on campus.
6. Advocates for policy changes that promote equity, diversity, and
inclusion within the institution. This may include proposing changes to
admissions policies, curriculum, and campus climate initiatives.
7. Engages with minority communities both on and off-campus to
establish partnerships, promote access to education, and address the needs
of minority populations.
8. Collaborates with student organizations, academic departments, and
other campus offices to create inclusive programs and initiatives.
9. May collect data on the experiences and outcomes of minority
students and employees, which can be used to inform institutional
decision-making and measure progress towards diversity and inclusion goals.
10. Serves as a resource for resolving conflicts related to diversity
and inclusion issues, providing mediation and support when necessary.
EDI plays a vital role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within
the educational institution, supporting the success and well-being of
minority populations, and fostering a campus culture that values and
embraces diversity.
Facilitator: Prof. Dr. Farheen Hassan – Director, AIUB-IQAC
For Students – Office of Student Affairs
For Employees – Office of Human Resources
Events/Activities:
AIUB organizes a range of events that reflect its commitment to SDG 8,
emphasizing employee welfare, gender equity, non-discrimination, and secure
contracts for both staff and students. Highlights of these events are shared
below, with additional details available at www.aiub.edu
Insurance Agreement with Chartered Life Insurance
AIUB renewed an agreement with Chartered Life Insurance to provide group
insurance for all employees, ensuring comprehensive financial coverage,
which is indicative of a commitment to employee welfare and support for
basic living needs.
Career Session with Therap (BD)
The session emphasized workplace inclusivity, particularly on gender
equality and empowerment, marking Therap’s commitment to an equitable
environment and aligning with AIUB’s policies on non-discrimination.
AIUB’s Contributions to Gender Equity and Women Empowerment
AIUB Management exemplifies the heart of an unending quest to improve
employee competency and organizational performance. This strategy does not
exclude female employees. As a result, women have been observed
participating in every single operation (both academic and administrative)
of AIUB.
Seminar on Women in Engineering
This seminar focused on overcoming gender-based challenges in engineering
fields and encouraging women’s participation, reinforcing AIUB's stand
against gender discrimination in the workplace.
Safety Training with Samsung C&T Corporation
AIUB faculty and students received training on workplace safety from
Samsung, highlighting AIUB's focus on preventing exploitative labor
practices through education on safety and rights.
Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Seminar
AIUB’s MIS Department hosted a seminar on responsible BPO practices,
covering outsourcing rights and ethical guidelines. This reflects the
institution's awareness and policy approach toward workers' rights in
outsourced roles.
Career Planning and Professional Development
This seminar underscored the institution’s efforts to equip students with
equal professional growth opportunities, indirectly supporting pay equity by
promoting skills that ensure equitable career advancement.
Forums and Networks at AIUB
AIUB recognizes and supports the rights of all staff, including women and international employees, to freely
associate and engage in collective bargaining. The university has established platforms such as the AIUB Women Forum
(AWF), which empowers women through education, leadership, and entrepreneurship, ensuring their active participation
in decision-making. AWF advocates for women's rights and works towards eliminating barriers in education,
industry, and political leadership. AIUB also promotes research and collaboration through the AIUB Network of
Excellence (ANOE), fostering an inclusive, ethical, and innovative environment for all staff members.
AIUB Women Forum (AWF)
AIUB Women Forum aspires to empower women at all levels of decision-making with education, entrepreneurship and
leadership. This Forum aims to rejuvenate people, provide opportunities for them to develop and instill faith in
women. This involves not only women aspiring to the top of the corporate ladder but also women at the uppermost of
the social ladder. The Forum brings together women's rights activists, non-governmental organizations (NGOs),
women's organizations and influential female entrepreneurs. AWF emphasized the role of women in exploring and
resolving barriers to opportunities in education, industry and political leadership, including women's health,
spousal abuse and sexual assault. The AWF foresees a world in which equality for all is more than a slogan, but a
fact, and human rights are recognized and secured. All AIUB women, including students, faculty and administrative
staff are members of this Forum, which organizes various awareness programs on women's rights and empowerment-
AIUB Network of Excellence (ANOE)
AIUB Network of Excellence is an association of researchers to enable the achievement of excellence by the
interdisciplinary research community at AIUB. The members share ideas, resources, help obtain grants, maintain sound
ethical cultures to promote innovation, reflective thinking and development of knowledge, and disseminate through
the world research communities. ANOE bears the responsibility of advocating needs for research in AIUB as value and
necessity of time. The members share common goal of creating a global footprint in various areas of research. All
members of the community have proven tracks of research and actively engaged in promotion of research.
Events/Activities:
The following AIUB events highlight the university's dedication to SDG 8, showcasing its policies on employee
welfare, gender equity, non-discrimination, and the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining for
both staff and students. These initiatives reflect AIUB's commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive
environment. For more information on these and other initiatives, please visit www.aiub.edu.
Legal Seminar on Women’s Rights and Gender-Based Violence
This seminar at AIUB advocated for women workers’ rights and protection from gender-based violence, aligning
with labor rights recognition for all employees.
The Second Virtual International Conference on Women's Rights in Emerging Societies
The Second Virtual International Conference on Women's Rights in Emerging Societies, organized by Jus Corpus
Law Journal and Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur in collaboration with American International University-Bangladesh
(AIUB) and SHRI RAMSWAROOP MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY, Lucknow, showcasing a robust exchange of ideas and perspectives on
the advancement of women's rights globally.
AIUB’s Contributions to Gender Equity and Women Empowerment
AIUB Management exemplifies the heart of an unending quest to improve employee competency and organizational
performance. This strategy does not exclude female employees. As a result, women have been observed participating in
every single operation (both academic and administrative) of AIUB.
Resolution Process at AIUB
The American International University–Bangladesh (AIUB) has a well-defined appeal process for employees to address concerns related to employee rights, pay, and workplace conduct, ensuring fair treatment. AIUB’s policies strictly prohibit discrimination or harassment, including on grounds such as religion, race, gender, disability, sexual orientation and other issues. These policies ensure a fair, confidential approach to handling complaints and suggestions. Employees/students can submit complaints or suggestions regarding grievances, workplace harassment, or other issues directly to the Human Resources Office or Office of Student Affairs. Some specific policies and procedures are outlined below, and additional details are available through the Office of Human Resources for employees and the Office of Student Affairs for students.
Policy regarding Discrimination Complaints for Employees
The American International University–Bangladesh (AIUB) will not engage in or endorse discrimination or harassment against any employee because of religion, race, color, age, disability, nationality, marital status, sexual orientation including gender identity.
AIUB does not tolerate any form of discriminating misconduct. The complaint and grievance procedures of AIUB provide employees with the methods for the resolution of complaints that allege a violation of this kind.
All such inquiries or complaints must be submitted to the Office of the Human Resources (HR) for employees.
Any employee can submit their complaint in the designated form or by directly sending email to the Office of Human Resources (HR) for employees. The complaint form is available to download here. Accomplished complaint form may be sent through email (hr@aiub.edu) or dropped at the complaint box available in Annex 1.
Any employee can submit their suggestion in the designated form or by directly sending email to the Office of Human Resources (HR) for employees. The suggestion form is available to download here. Accomplished suggestion form may be sent through email (hr@aiub.edu) or dropped at the suggestion box available in different buildings.
AIUB will protect the confidentiality of the complainant and the information provided during launching of the complaint.
Policy regarding Sexual Harassment Complaints for Employees
AIUB does not tolerate any form of sexual misconduct. The complaint and grievance procedures of AIUB provide employees with the methods for the resolution of complaints that allege a violation of this Statement. All such inquiries or complaints must be submitted to the Office of the Human Resources (HR) for employees.
A designated ‘Complaint Committee’ is formed and available as per the guideline and instruction of the His Excellency Supreme Court’s High Court division to deal with the Sexual Harassment Complaints.
Any employee can submit their complaint in the designated form or by directly sending email to the Office of Human Resources (HR) for employees. The complaint form is available to download here. Accomplished complaint form may be sent through email (hr@aiub.edu) or dropped at the complaint box available in Annex 1.
Any employee can submit their suggestion in the designated form or by directly sending email to the Office of Human Resources (HR) for employees. The suggestion form is available to download here. Accomplished suggestion form may be sent through email (hr@aiub.edu) or dropped at the suggestion box available in different buildings.
AIUB will protect the confidentiality of the complainant and the information provided during launching of the complaint
Policy regarding Discrimination Complaints for Students
The American International University – Bangladesh (AIUB) will not engage in or endorse discrimination or harassment against any student because of religion, race, color, age, disability, nationality, marital status, sexual orientation including gender identity.
AIUB does not tolerate any form of discriminating misconduct. The complaint and grievance procedures of AIUB provide students with the methods for the resolution of complaints that allege a violation of this kind.
All such inquiries or complaints must be submitted to the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) for students.
Any student can submit their complaint in the designated form or by directly sending email to the Office of Student Affairs (OSA). The form is available to download here . Accomplished forms may be sent through email (osa@aiub.edu) or dropped at the complaint box available in Annex 1.
AIUB will protect the confidentiality of the complainant and the information provided during launching of the complaint.
Policy regarding Sexual Harassment Complaints for Students
AIUB does not tolerate any form of sexual misconduct. The complaint and grievance procedures of AIUB provide students and employees with the methods for the resolution of complaints that allege a violation of this Statement. All such inquiries or complaints must be submitted to the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) for students.
A designated ‘Complaint Committee’ is formed and available as per the guideline and instruction of the His Excellency Supreme Court’s High Court division to deal with the Sexual Harassment Complaints.
Any student can submit their complaint in the designated form or by directly sending email to the Office of Student Affairs (OSA). The form is available to download here. Accomplished forms may be sent through email (osa@aiub.edu) or dropped at the complaint box available in Annex 1.
AIUB will protect the confidentiality of the complainant and the information provided during launching of the complaint.
Events/Activities:
The following AIUB events demonstrate the university's commitment to SDG 8 by highlighting its comprehensive policies on employee welfare, gender equity, non-discrimination, and accessible appeal processes for both staff and students. For further details on these initiatives and more, please visit www.aiub.edu.
Freshman Orientation for the Fall 2023-2024 Semester
The orientation sessions were organized separately for undergraduate and graduate students across various faculties in the AIUB Auditorium, Multipurpose Halls and the Media Studio. Representatives from the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) provided the new students with essential information regarding university policies and regulations. They also outlined the procedures for effectively utilizing the university's resources and tools to support their academic journey.
Legal Seminar on Women’s Rights and Gender-Based Violence
This seminar at AIUB advocated for women workers’ rights and protection from gender-based violence, aligning with labor rights recognition for all employees.
The Second Virtual International Conference on Women's Rights in Emerging Societies
The Second Virtual International Conference on Women's Rights in Emerging Societies, organized by Jus Corpus Law Journal and Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur in collaboration with American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) and SHRI RAMSWAROOP MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY, Lucknow, showcasing a robust exchange of ideas and perspectives on the advancement of women's rights globally.
SDG Report
American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) actively promotes Sustainable Development Goal 8 by fostering decent work practices and supporting economic growth. AIUB ensures a fair work environment through different policies, providing equitable compensation to all staff and faculty.
AIUB is committed to ending discrimination in the workplace through its non-discrimination policies, which cover gender, religion, and others. The institution emphasizes career readiness through initiatives like the AIUB Job Fair 2023, connecting students with industry opportunities. Additionally, programs such as the Smart Bangladesh Business Plan Exhibition and seminars on sustainable entrepreneurship in Industry 4.0 equip students with practical skills for sustainable economic participation.
Through these initiatives, AIUB demonstrates its dedication to creating inclusive, fair work environments and fostering sustainable economic growth, aligning closely with SDG-8.
#AIUB #SDG8 #DecentWork #EconomicGrowth #EqualOpportunities
University Activities towards SDG 8