Stopping so-called seating service or gate-locked service in system appears to be adversely affecting female commuters, even though the move has apparently been meant for preventing fleecing and harassment of passengers.
On Tuesday, when speaking to the Dhaka Tribune, many female commuters in Dhaka said they found the seating service safer and more comfortable. Now, riding in overcrowded vehicles has become troublesome for them, they added.
Shamsunnahar, an honours student of Lalmatia Mohila College, said: “There were several buses that used to run the seating service on my way. But as the service has been stopped, it is now quite difficult for me to go to college.
“I demand resumption of the service as many women fall prey to harassment in overcrowded buses.”
Rimana Jahan, a Master’s student of Dhaka University, said: “Previously, female commuters used to feel safe using public transport as they were certain that they would get a seat and the vehicles were not crowded. But they are now facing harassment.”
Mozammel Haque, general secretary of Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samiti, said: “We observe that Bangladesh Road Transport Authority is conducting mobile court drives only to check fares and legal documents. But they are not concentrating on ensuring female passengers’ safety and security.”
Stopping a long-standing practice overnight is not tenable, Nagarik Sanghati General Secretary Sharifuzzaman Sharif said, adding that allowing the service with some terms and conditions would be a practical solution.
Thursday, June 04, 2026
