An awareness campaign titled “Hold the Bar, Not Her Space” was officially launched on Thursday aimed at ensuring safe and harassment-free public transport for women.

The campaign was inaugurated on Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) premises with support from Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), UN Women Bangladesh, and the Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh.

Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Road Transport and Bridges Sheikh Moinuddin inaugurated the event.

He said, “Preventing sexual harassment in public transport is a shared responsibility. Too often, we remain silent even when we see harassment. But silence doesn’t solve the problem—we must speak out. Men must also realise that women deserve equal rights and respect in society.”

Speaking as a special guest, Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Nicolas Weeks said, “This campaign is a call to action for every commuter, every driver, every conductor, every policymaker. It is a call to build a culture where harassment is not accepted, and where women and girls feel not just permitted—but welcomed—in every public space.’

Country Representative of UN Women Bangladesh Geetanjali Singh said the campaign is rooted in a simple yet powerful truth: women and girls have the right to move freely, safely, and confidently—anywhere, anytime. “Whether it is a metro in Dhaka, a bus, or any other form of transport across the country—their space is their space. “

"A gender-equal world is within reach if we choose it. Let us ensure this campaign isn’t just seen, but felt in action, in prevention, and in protection," she said.

Executive director of DTCA Neelima Akhter
who presided over the event, said, “We have made every effort to make this campaign both visible and effective so that the message of preventing violence against women reaches the general public. I believe the training sessions for BRTC, Dhaka Chaka, and Nagar Paribahan workers have already triggered a significant shift in mindset.’

She also highlighted the need for enhanced security infrastructure to sustain a women-friendly public transport system. ‘We still face shortages in essential equipment like security tools and CCTV cameras. We need a proper system to ensure that any act of harassment can be addressed swiftly under the law. Moreover, bus stops must be better lit, and public awareness campaigns are vital to foster the necessary social change.’

Executive Director of Manusher Jonno Foundation Shaheen Anam in her welcome speech, said, “The current government came to power through a commitment to eliminating discrimination, including gender-based disparities. If women feel unsafe in public transport, it’s a form of discrimination—because it prevents them from reaching their destinations safely.”

“Regardless of profession or attire, no woman should be subjected to indecent behavior. Such actions are not only unacceptable but must also be treated as punishable offenses. A zero-tolerance policy toward harassment is essential,” she added.

Prior to the event, over 160 transport workers from Dhaka Chaka, Nagar Paribahan, BRTC, and Hanif Paribahan received training under the “Hold the Bar, Not Her Space” campaign from March 16 to 20.

Sheikh Moinuddin handed over certificates to the trained transport workers.