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Violence against women Published: 14 Sep 2026

Survey: 36% of Women Face Regular Sexual Harassment in Public Transport, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad Demands Safety Measures

A joint online survey conducted by UNDP, the National Human Rights Commission, and the Center for Information has revealed that 36% of women in Bangladesh face regular sexual harassment while using public transport such as buses, launches, trains, and terminals. The survey also found that 87% of women have experienced sexual violence at least once in public spaces, with 66% facing it multiple times and 7% facing repeated harassment. Only 36% of victims reported protesting against the harassment.

The findings were presented at a discussion titled 'We Want Safety for Women and Girls in Public Spaces and Transport,' organized by the Dhaka Metropolitan branch of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad at the Anwara Begum-Munira Khan Auditorium on December 5, 2022. Speakers highlighted that impunity in rape and murder cases has made women more vulnerable, noting that only 3% of accused in rape and sexual violence cases face punishment.

Road Transport and Bridges Secretary A B M Amin Ullah Nuri, as chief guest, called for sustained advocacy and training for transport workers. Mahila Parishad President Dr. Fauzia Moslem urged dialogue with policymakers and training for transport authorities and owners. Road safety activist Ilias Kanchan stressed the need for driver training and value education for children. Officials from the Attorney General's office and BRTA also proposed legal reforms and monitoring mechanisms to implement recommendations nationwide.

NOTE: This summary was generated by an AI model from external sources. It has not been reviewed by a human editor. Click the original article to fact-check.