Harassment of women on public buses

Dhaka's public transport system sees a diverse band of passengers, encompassing individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds. While the affluent may opt for private cars and those who can afford opt for CNG-powered auto-rickshaws or motorcycles, for many middle and lower-class individuals, as well as students, public buses remain the primary mode of transportation on consideration of costs.

However, given that both men and women must travel together on these vehicles, some men engage in deliberate harassment of women. When confronted, women often face humiliation and endure filthy languages.

In this age of women's empowerment, why do such indignities persist? Where is the awareness? Ultimately, every man has female relatives-mothers, sisters, wives, daughters-so why disrespect women? These questions linger.

Furthermore, it's common to see men occupying seats reserved for women, leaving female passengers to struggle for balance amidst the crowded bus aisles, pushed and jostled by the throng of bodies.

The risks that men are willing to endure are often untenable for women. When objections are raised, the retort is, "Why make a fuss on public buses?" As a woman, I respond: just as men rely on public buses due to economic constraints, women find themselves in the same situation.

All we seek is basic respect, particularly freedom from unwanted physical contact. We can mitigate these issues to some extent by raising public awareness.

Nahida Nishi

A conscious citizen

Dhaka