Harassment of women in public transport is becoming increasingly evident day by day. Recent incidents reported from different parts of the country, including the capital Dhaka, indicate a worrying rise in the harassment of women while commuting. Despite noticeable progress in women's education, employment, and participation in public life, the values of humanity, morality, tolerance, religious ethics, and respect for women appear to be steadily disappearing from society.
At both public and private levels, women in Bangladesh are advancing in education and working shoulder to shoulder with men in various professions. The global movement for women's empowerment has also influenced social awareness in the country. However, this progress has not been matched by a corresponding change in mindset and behavior, particularly in public spaces. Public transport, which should be a safe and accessible means of travel for all, has instead become a source of fear and discomfort for many women.
Men and women alike rely on public transport to reach educational institutions, workplaces, and other destinations. Among all forms of public transport, buses are the most widely used. As a result, women are frequently exposed to harassment while traveling on buses in different parts of the country. According to a private survey, 69.44 percent of commuters use public transport, while only 6.58 percent use office or company-provided vehicles and 2.73 percent use private vehicles for daily travel. Notably, 84.10 percent of public commuters rely on public buses, highlighting how essential buses are for mobility, especially for women.
Unfortunately, this dependence on buses has turned into daily suffering for many women. Incidents such as verbal abuse, fare irregularities, offensive remarks by drivers, unwanted physical contact by drivers' assistants, and various forms of sexual harassment occur regularly. These experiences not only violate women's dignity but also restrict their freedom of movement. Many women hesitate to travel alone or at certain times of the day due to fear of harassment, which directly affects their education, employment, and social participation.
Various studies and surveys reveal the alarming extent of the problem. According to different surveys, approximately 41 percent of women traveling on public transport experience harassment. A recent survey conducted by the voluntary organization Anchal Foundation found that 63.4 percent of girls and young women in the capital faced some form of harassment on public transport over the last six months. This data reflects the harsh reality that harassment is not an isolated incident but a widespread social issue.
The Anchal Foundation survey further categorized the types of harassment faced by women. Among the respondents, 46.5 percent reported sexual harassment, 15.3 percent experienced bullying, 15.2 percent faced social discrimination, 14.9 percent encountered gender-based discrimination, and 8.2 percent were subjected to body shaming. These findings clearly show that harassment takes multiple forms, ranging from verbal and psychological abuse to physical and sexual violations.
The survey also revealed that 61 percent of the perpetrators were middle-aged men, which challenges the common misconception that harassment is mostly committed by younger individuals. This indicates a deeper moral and ethical crisis within society, where individuals who should act responsibly instead contribute to creating an unsafe environment for women.
In such a situation, ensuring safe travel for women in public transport has become an urgent necessity. Special training and counseling programs should be introduced for bus drivers and their assistants to raise awareness about respectful behavior and legal consequences of harassment. Strict monitoring and accountability mechanisms must be implemented to prevent misconduct and ensure immediate action against offenders.
Additionally, as the number of women in education and the workforce continues to grow, public transport systems must adapt accordingly. Proportional reserved seating arrangements and women-friendly transportation services should be expanded. Authorities need to exercise discretion and responsibility in planning and enforcing reserved seats or dedicated transportation options for women to ensure safety and dignity.
Ultimately, addressing harassment in public transport is not just a matter of law enforcement but a reflection of societal values. Building a better and safer society requires collective efforts to restore morality, respect, and humanity. Only then can public transport become a truly inclusive space where women can travel freely, confidently, and without fear.
The writer is a contributor
