Dedicated mass transport for women in Dhaka remains largely a dream, despite the growing demand for safer and more comfortable travel options.

Women make up approximately 51% of Bangladesh’s population. Yet, studies show that only around 21% of public transport users are women.

A recent survey by the Aachol Foundation revealed that over 60% of female adolescents in Dhaka who use public transport have experienced some form of harassment.

There is no shortage of accounts and reports of women facing harassment, danger, and discomfort while using mass transportation, particularly where vehicles are overcrowded, poorly regulated, or lack adequate safety measures.

Despite this, government initiatives have yet to meet the urgency of the problem.

In a bustling city like Dhaka, Sarah, a working professional, relies on public transport for her daily commute.

Each morning, she boards an overcrowded bus filled with commuters.

As the vehicle winds through congested streets, she finds herself squeezed between strangers, struggling to maintain personal space. For her, this isn’t merely uncomfortable—it’s a daily safety concern.

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One day, during rush hour, the bus was particularly packed. Sarah experienced unwanted physical contact from a man who stood next to her and repeatedly brushed against her inappropriately.

With no room to move and no way to escape, she felt trapped. She tried to make eye contact with other passengers in the hope someone would intervene, but most looked away.

As the bus neared her stop, Sarah forced her way through the crowd, shaken and harassed. She was left feeling angry, embarrassed, and afraid.

What made the situation worse was the absence of surveillance or visible security on board, and the lack of a clear, responsive system for reporting such incidents.

Though not the first time Sarah had faced harassment, this particular incident left her feeling powerless.

The absence of accountability made her question whether her safety would ever be taken seriously by the transport authorities.

Women across Dhaka share similar experiences—enduring physical harassment, verbal abuse, and a general lack of respect while using public transport.

These stories underline the need to improve safety, establish secure spaces for women, and implement clear policies that foster a more respectful, inclusive travel environment.

Such experiences often drive women away from public transport. Many turn to ridesharing services or taxis, but these alternatives aren’t always affordable, especially for women from lower-income areas.

The persistent harassment women face reflects a wider issue of gender inequality, and highlights the urgent need for safer, more inclusive transportation systems.

“Dedicated mass transport for women in Dhaka remains largely a dream, despite growing demand for safer and more comfortable travel options. Women in the city face persistent challenges, including harassment, overcrowding, and a lack of reserved seating in public transport,” said Natasha, an employee of a private company in Mirpur.

While there have been initiatives, such as women-only buses operated by the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) and ridesharing services aimed at female passengers, these remain limited in scale.

Many face operational challenges, a shortage of vehicles and low public awareness.

Ayesha, another office worker in Dhaka, said, “As a woman living and working in Dhaka, I can say that access to safe and affordable mass transport is a daily struggle. The buses and other public vehicles are often overcrowded, making it uncomfortable and unsafe, especially for women like me who travel alone. Many of us face harassment or feel vulnerable in these crowded spaces. Sometimes, we have to spend more money on rideshares just to avoid these risks, but not all women can afford that."

Having women-only buses or designated safe spaces within the transport system would make a huge difference, she added, saying it would give women the confidence to travel for work, education, and social engagements without fear.

More affordable and reliable transport would also help women access better jobs further from home, enabling them to support their families more effectively.

She expressed the hope that the government and transport authorities would take women’s voices seriously and make public transport more inclusive. “Safe and accessible transport isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for our dignity, freedom, and empowerment.”

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The need for a secure and reliable transport system for women is vital, as many depend on it for daily travel. Expanding women-only services, enforcing anti-harassment laws strictly, and investing in gender-inclusive infrastructure could help mitigate these challenges. Yet, without stronger policy commitment and investment, a functional and inclusive transport network remains out of reach, many women's rights activists say.

To address these issues, women-only buses have been introduced in limited areas to provide safer travel for female commuters, they added.

Despite these efforts, the low proportion of female users on public transport signals the pressing need to improve safety, accessibility, and cultural attitudes to encourage wider participation of women in mass transit.

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is among the most densely populated cities in the world, home to over 20 million people. As the city grows, its transport infrastructure is coming under increasing strain.

Rina, a university student, shared her concerns with UNB.

She said many female students rely on public buses to attend classes. But the environment on these buses is often chaotic and unsafe. “Sometimes harassment occurs, and we don’t know who to report it to,” she said.

“If there were women-only compartments or buses, I think more girls would feel comfortable continuing their education without having to worry about their safety,” she added.

Sathi, a garment worker, said she begins work very early in the morning and finishes late at night. During those hours, public transport is either unavailable or unsafe for women.

“I often have to take shared auto-rickshaws, but they’re costly and risky. Reliable and affordable transport that runs during early and late hours would help many women workers like me,” she added.

Farida, a homemaker, said she often needs to take her children to school or visit the doctor. “But the lack of accessible transport with proper seating makes it hard for mothers and elderly women to get around.”

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“It would be helpful if buses had reserved seating and easier boarding for women with children or elderly family members,” she added.

“For women with disabilities, Dhaka’s public transport is nearly impossible to use,” said Laila, a disabled woman. “Most buses don’t have ramps or priority seating, and the roads aren’t suitable for wheelchairs.”

She urged the government to make mass transport accessible to all women, regardless of their physical condition.

Nadia, a daily wage earner, said she often starts work before dawn when transport is scarce. “I sometimes have to walk long distances or pay high fares for rickshaws. Cheaper, early-morning transport with women’s safety in mind would make a huge difference for women like me,” she said.