A large number of women and female students use public transportation every day in Dhaka city. Yet, our public transports are not only inadequate but also unsafe for women and girls. There are reserved seats for women and a few women-only buses are plying Dhaka city. But, they are not enough. Neither the vehicles nor their staffs are friendly towards female passengers. According to a BRAC study published last year, a total of 94 per cent of women are subjected to verbal, physical or some forms of sexual harassment while travelling on public transport in the country. Apart from this, women face disrespectful behaviour on public buses not only from transport workers, drivers and their assistants but also from male passengers.
It is important to deal with the mismanagement of our public transport sector. Increasing the number of reserved seats and allocation of more women-only buses can be a start. There should be women-friendly vehicles, drivers and staff. Male passengers should also change their mindset. The authorities concerned must take on the responsibility of making our public transports safer for women.
Subrina Obaid Anika,
Student of Bangla Department,
Jagannath University, Dhaka,
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