Bus service for women in Dhaka

Dhaka is one of the fastest growing cities in Bangladesh. No fewer than 13 million people live here, half of whom are women. The majority of women are active in many services and vocations in Dhaka, like social, cultural, economic and political ones. The participation of female in labour force is increasing day by day but the transport system for women is not safe and easy. The problems women face in public transports include sexual harassment, personal security due to overcrowding, bad behaviour from bus drivers and helpers, lack of information about journey route etc.
Only nine seats in a bus are reserved for women, including children and disabled people. Most of the time, these seats are occupied. So, they have to stand all the time of their journey. Pakistan introduced "Women Only" bus service a few years ago. 'Women Only' taxi service in Russia and in the UK started from 2006 and in Dubai from 2007. Considering all these problems, the government should take initiatives to meet the demand of women passengers in Dhaka.

Tarannum Shakerin Khan (Liza)   
Student of East West University
tara.liz01@yahoo.com