Bangladesh
Bangladesh Public transport drivers-helpers are given uniforms
Dhaka, 21 August 2022 : Dhaka Metropolitan Police - DMP has taken special initiative to prevent sexual harassment in public transport.
As a formal start, recently in Lalbagh of the capital, two companies' bus drivers and helppads have been provided with data storage and special clothing.
Some cases of sexual harassment in buses in Lalbagh, New Market and Turag areas of the capital have embarrassed the law and order forces. Besides, women were being harassed by bus driver-helpers and other passengers on the way. It is said that from now on, the association of owners and the police will be monitored in this matter. As part of this initiative, bus drivers and helpers have been given special clothes. In the future, this system will be effective in every bus of the capital, said the officials.
Police say the new uniforms for drivers and helpers will have their names and the names of the vehicles written on them. A serial number will also be provided. This number will contain his full address along with NID card, birth certificate and phone number of any family members.
Transport owners will store the information in their database. If something untoward happens in the bus, the police can quickly find the culprit.
Police and owners' association leaders say that many people do not think of committing a crime if they fear that they will be caught if they harass. They can also be distinguished by their special clothes. As a pilot project, new uniforms have been given to bus drivers and helpers of two companies namely Bikash Paribahan and Mirpur Metro Service.
Deputy Police Commissioner of DMP Lalbagh Division Zafar Hossain said that the bus drivers and helpers of two transport companies have been given clothes by the Lalbagh Division to prevent harassment of passengers on buses. I will also monitor whether they are using it. Talking to the owners, discussion is going on to introduce this system in buses of other routes.
Mahbub Hossain, organizing secretary of Dhaka District Bus Owners Association said, such an initiative is commendable. If the driver-helpers have a dress code they will be afraid of committing crimes. Passengers will also gain confidence if the driver-helpers are in uniform.
