Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali has voiced alarm over the harassment of women in different places.
"Media reports capture just a fraction of the reality-social and familial pressures silence most victims," he said.
The DMP commissioner made the statement while launching an app at The Daily Star Centre in the capital on Saturday to ensure women's safety on public transport.
The Broadcast Journalist Centre (BJC) and Switch Bangladesh Foundation unveiled the 'HELP' app-short for Harassment Elimination Literacy Programme.
"Domestic workers face abuse too, with 95 per cent of incidents unreported," he said.
He proposed linking the app directly to police stations for instant First Information Reports (FIRs), enabling swift investigations, and pledged DMP support to expand it beyond Dhaka.
He also urged the media to report sensitively, warning that over-coverage risks fuel public fear.
This EU-funded initiative backed by Free Press Unlimited and Article 19 aims to empower women facing harassment on public transport.
Abdullah Al Saleh, director of Solution Spin, the software firm behind the app explained its core features: "HELP that allows smart phone users to report incidents instantly, alerting volunteers and local police with real-time location data via an 'Alert' button. Reports are stored for legal action, and users can stay anonymous."
Initially piloted on Dhaka's Basila-Sayedabad route, some features will be available nationwide with plans to integrate with the 999 emergency service later.
President of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad Fawzia Moslem stressed community action, saying "Rape wounds all of society. This app can help, and we'll back it. Women must be seen as humans, not just victims, in media narratives."
Mainul Ahsan Faisal, executive director of Switch Bangladesh, highlighted awareness efforts.
"We're engaging students and installing QR codes in buses on the Basila-Sayedabad route for quick access. Talks with transport owners are ongoing to maximise impacts," he said.
BJC Member Secretary Elias Hossain said, "Sexual harassment is surging-we're not just protesting; we're solving. HELP is that solution."
Presided over by BJC Chairman Rezwanul Haque and moderated by Executive Coordinator Shahnaz Sharmeen, the launch underscored a collective resolve.
HELP, from instant alerts to legal documentation, also offers a lifeline-aiming not just to respond to harassment, but to deter it, one ride at a time.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com
