A group of teenage girls ride their bicycles in a line along rural roads, passing green paddy fields on their way to school, college or madrasa. Some wear white hijabs, while others sport colourful scarves, all dressed in blue uniforms.
The sight has become increasingly common in the remote villages of Atwari upazila in Panchagarh.
Until a few years ago, many girls in the area had to walk long distances to reach their educational institutions. The time and effort involved, coupled with limited transport options, often made it difficult for them to continue their studies. Bicycles are now helping change that situation.
With support from their families, many girls are learning to ride bicycles from an early age. By their teenage years, cycling has become an essential part of their daily lives.
Every morning and afternoon, groups of girls can be seen cycling along village roads. Besides travelling to school, they use their bicycles to attend private tuition, visit classmates and meet other daily needs.
Samsun Nahar, a Class X student at Dangirhat Adarsha High School, said cycling had made her journey to school much easier.
“Earlier, I had to walk a long way to school. It took a lot of time and left me tired before classes began. Now I can reach school much faster by bicycle. Riding with friends is enjoyable and makes me feel safer,” she said.
Saving time and gaining greater freedom of movement are among the main benefits of cycling. Journeys that once required lengthy walks can now be completed much faster, making it easier for girls to attend educational institutions farther from home.
Cycling in groups also gives girls a greater sense of security and confidence. Travelling together helps them feel less vulnerable to uncomfortable situations and potential harassment along the way.
Imdadul Haque, a parent from Sardarpara village, said distance and safety had previously been major concerns for families.
“We used to worry about how our daughters would get to school, particularly because of the distance. Now they ride together in groups. It saves time and has eased some of our concerns. Most importantly, they can continue their education,” he said.
Riding along village roads, from unpaved stretches to highways, is also helping girls develop mobility skills, confidence and a sense of independence.
The change has been driven largely by growing awareness and support among families. Many parents now encourage their daughters to learn to ride bicycles from an early age to help them continue their education. For families living far from schools and colleges, bicycles have become a practical and affordable means of transport.
Sharmin Parvin, headteacher of Atwari Government Pilot Girls' High School, said transportation played an important role in ensuring students' regular attendance.
“Travelling to educational institutions can be difficult for girls from remote areas, particularly when they have to cover long distances. Bicycles have eased that problem considerably. They are also helping girls become more confident and independent,” she said.
The benefits of cycling extend beyond making daily journeys to educational institutions easier. Improved access to schools and colleges can remove one of the practical barriers that often disrupt girls' education.
It can also contribute to efforts to prevent child marriage by helping girls stay in education, broaden their future opportunities and develop greater independence.
Jahidul Islam, acting upazila secondary education officer in Atwari, said access to transportation was important for expanding girls' education in rural areas.
“Bicycles are enabling many students from remote villages to travel to educational institutions more easily. This can help ensure regular attendance, maintain continuity in education and build confidence and independence among girls. Families and communities should encourage such initiatives,” he said.
The sight of girls cycling through Atwari represents more than just a convenient way of getting to school. It reflects changing family attitudes, progress in rural girls' education and the growing independence of young women.
As they pedal past green fields and along village roads, the girls of Panchagarh are moving towards a future where distance no longer has to stand in the way of education.
