Dhaka:City buses in Dhaka are failing to ensure the safety and comfort of women, children, persons with disabilities, and older people, with widespread violations of reserved-seat rules, lack of helpers, and unsafe boarding and alighting practices.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways (NCPSRR) and the Shipping and Communication Reporters Forum (SCRF) observed these issues after inspecting more than 50 buses operating on various routes across the capital in September. The findings were disclosed in a joint press release issued by the two organizations.
The inspection revealed that none of the buses complied with government directives requiring nine seats on each bus to be reserved for women, children, persons with disabilities, freedom fighters, and older people. Notices referring to the directive were rarely displayed. Observers found men occupying designated reserved seats while vulnerable passengers were often forced to stand, causing discomfort and hardship.
Additionally, the observation noted that around 80 percent of the buses inspected lacked a helper to assist with passenger management and other operational tasks. Drivers often rent buses from owners on daily arrangements and hire conductors, paying the rental amount from their earnings. To reduce costs, they frequently avoid employing helpers.
Unsafe practices involving bus stops were also highlighted, with conductors stopping buses both at designated and unauthorized locations, leading to hurried and unsafe passenger movement. Minor accidents occur almost daily.
To address these issues, the NCPSRR and SCRF recommended several measures, including ensuring nine reserved seats on every bus, appointing a helper on each bus, ending daily rental arrangements, and strictly preventing buses from stopping between designated stops. They also urged authorities to prohibit passengers from boarding or alighting at unauthorized locations.
Ashis Kumar Dey, general secretary of NCPSRR, criticized local buses for operating with little regard for regulations and emphasized the need for immediate action. He called for deploying mobile courts to enforce transport regulations.
Lion Mohd Jahangir Alam, general secretary of SCRF, described the findings as indicative of a long-standing disorder in Dhaka's public transport system. He stressed the importance of bringing these issues to the government's attention and announced ongoing monitoring efforts throughout the year.