Training launched for drivers, assistants

An initiative has been taken to train drivers and assistants of public buses to prevent sexual harassment, which a large number of female bus commuters are regularly facing.

According to a study conducted by BRAC, 94 per cent women in Bangladesh face verbal, physical or other forms of sexual harassment while commuting in public transport - mainly in buses.

Of them, 66 per cent experience harassment from men aged 41-60 years.

The Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) and Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) with support of Embassy of Sweden organised the training for 150 drivers in the next five days, beginning from Sunday, according to the DTCA.

On the inaugural day, 30 drivers and their assistants of Dhaka Nagar Paribahan and air-conditioned buses participated.

DTCA Executive Director Nilima Akhter and MJF Director Banashree Mitra Niyogi addressed the inaugural session. Bus Route Rationalisation Project (BRR) Director Dhurbo Alam highlighted features of bus route franchise being implemented under BRR, which will ensure safety of women in public transports.

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