Code of Conduct

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The Code of Conduct is applicable to all the attendees, including the speakers, moderators, delegates and participants.

Introduction

‘Bay of Bengal Conversation, the flagship conference of the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) on governance, security, and development, will convene stakeholders from diverse countries, sectors, and communities for sustained dialogue on the critical issues shaping the region. The conference seeks to foster meaningful exchange and create pathways through which a stronger sense of regional identity, cooperation, and shared responsibility can emerge.

CGS has developed this Code of Conduct to uphold the standards of professionalism, respect, and inclusion expected at Bay of Bengal Conversation. It is intended to provide clear guidance to all attendees on acceptable conduct and to ensure a safe, constructive, and dignified environment throughout the conference. This Code applies to all conference sessions, side events, receptions, informal gatherings, and any online or social media engagement associated with the conference.

CGS is committed to providing an inclusive, respectful, and harassment-free experience for all attendees, regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, physical appearance, body size, ethnicity, nationality, race, age, religion, or any other protected category. We value the presence, voice, and contribution of every attendee and are dedicated to ensuring that all attendees can participate fully and meaningfully. Any attendee requested to stop harassing, discriminatory, disruptive, or otherwise inappropriate behavior is expected to comply immediately.’

Expected behavior

Attendees are expected to:

Be considerate and respectful to all community members.
Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior, materials, and speech.
Speak up if they observe anything at the conference that conflicts with this Code of Conduct.
Contact a member of the conference organizing team immediately if they are being harassed, feel uncomfortable, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns.
Avoid profanity, slurs, and offensive language.
Be respectful, understanding, and mindful of fellow attendees.
Remain seated for the full duration of a panel discussion if they choose to attend it.

Conference participation and dress code

Laws and prohibited items

Attendees are requested to abide by the laws and regulations of Bangladesh.
Illegal substances, including drugs, are strictly prohibited. Alcohol may only be consumed in authorized areas, where permitted, and in moderation. Attendees are expected to act responsibly throughout the conference.
Access to any conference event with weapons is strictly prohibited. Organized demonstrations, disruptions, or any activity that interferes with the orderly conduct of the conference will not be permitted.

Unacceptable behavior

Unacceptable behavior from any participant will not be tolerated. Such behavior includes, but is not limited to:

Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, or demeaning speech, materials, or conduct.
Violence, threats of violence, or violent language directed against another person.
Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, or otherwise discriminatory jokes or language.
Personal insults, particularly those related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability, or any other protected category.
Inappropriate photography or recording.
Taking photos or recordings within the conference environment for use on social media without prior permission from the individuals concerned or the owners of the content.
Boisterous, lewd, or offensive behavior or language, including sexually explicit or offensive language, materials, or conduct.
The use of profanity, obscene gestures, or racial, religious, or ethnic slurs.
Failure to obey any rules or regulations of the event venue.

Consequences of unacceptable behavior

Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated. Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately.

If a participant engages in unacceptable behavior, the conference organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, including issuing a warning or expelling the participant from the conference.

For more serious violations, the conference organizers may, at their reasonable discretion, temporarily ban or permanently expel a participant from the conference.

What to do if you witness or experience unacceptable behavior

If you are subjected to unacceptable behavior, notice that someone else is subjected to unacceptable behavior, or have any other concerns, please notify the conference organizers as soon as possible.

The conference organizers will be available to assist those experiencing unacceptable behavior and help them feel safe for the duration of the conference. All reports will remain confidential.

In case of an emergency, please contact the Dhaka Police immediately by dialing 999, the emergency toll-free number, and then notify a conference organizer of the issue.

Medical emergencies

In case of any medical emergency, a doctor will be available on call throughout the conference.

If you need medical attention, please contact: +8801819890136 / +8801717900853