The existing transport services run by public and private bus companies are unreliable and insecure which result in continuous harassment and abuse of women. A report published in February this year revealed that at least 17 women were raped in public transport, primarily buses, within a short span of 13 months.

In March, another report found that around 94 percent of women using public transport had been victims of sexual harassment at one time or another.

Women from all walks of life need to use bus services. Very recently, one female student of a private university was harassed on a Turag bus. This news came only days after many other similar stories were highlighted by different newspapers, which means the situation has already gotten out of hand.

But this cannot be allowed to continue anymore. It is primarily transport owners, along with the government, that must take the responsibility here. They have to ensure accountability of drivers and transport staff. Buses should have CCTV cameras installed and owners must ensure proper record keeping of their employees.

We call on the authorities to take the necessary steps as soon as possible and end the suffering of women. It is also important that perpetrators of harassment be brought to book so that such horrific crimes are stopped.