Abu Jakir :
The persistent repression, discrimination, and violence against women in Bangladesh have not only endured but, in some instances, escalated, casting a grim shadow over the purple colour.
Despite concerted efforts from various organizations, including women’s rights groups, incidents of sexual harassment continue to plague the lives of women across the country, ranging from unwanted touching to verbal abuse and even rape.
Eminent educationists and rights activists are demanding a social transformation and changes in societal mindsets, particularly within families, to combat early marriages and violence.
These urgent calls for change were voiced on the occasion of International Women’s Day, celebrated globally on Friday under the theme ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.’
A recent report by the World Bank, titled “Women, Business and Law 2024,” paints a concerning picture. It reveals that women in Bangladesh enjoy only one-third of the legal rights enjoyed by men in the workplace.
The report, scoring nations based on 10 indicators, places Bangladesh at the bottom among South Asian countries, with a score of 49.4, only surpassed by Afghanistan.
The study also exposes a significant pay gap between men and women, with Bangladesh scoring a mere 25 out of 100 on that indicator.
The alarming statistics are further highlighted in a Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) report, published recently, exposing that 35.2% of female bus passengers have experienced sexual harassment.
Rates are notably higher on city buses (42.6%) compared to inter-district buses (31.3%). Shockingly, 83.2% of victims were harassed by fellow passengers, and 64.3% by the driver’s assistant.
A study titled “Sexual Harassment in Public Transport in Dhaka: A Social and Legal Assessment,” featured in the December edition of the Asian Journal of Social Science and Legal Studies, underscores the critical need for appropriate legislation to address the prevalent legal gaps in tackling sexual crimes on public transport across the country.
Disturbingly, a staggering 34.51% of working women, housewives, and students report being harassed on multiple occasions. Moreover, 35.29% of employed women and 56.86% of students disclosed being subjected to sexual harassment in public transport. Perpetrators in most cases were fellow passengers (75%), followed by bus conductors (20%) and bus drivers (5%).
Addressing these challenges, Professor Emeritus Serajul Islam Choudhury of Dhaka University identifies the deeply entrenched patriarchal social structure as a primary contributor.
He asserts, “It is not only male-dominated. It is positively patriarchal, and women are economically and socially weak here.
That is why they are being oppressed.”
Professor Choudhury also underscores the surge in sexual harassment, extending beyond students to include teachers at universities.
He draws attention to the adverse consequences of child marriage, highlighting its role in contributing to dropout rates among young girls.
Additionally, he emphasizes the impact of a lack of cultural activities, exacerbating the overall situation for women.
In response to harassment on public transport, ABM Amin Ullah Nuri, Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, states, “We have witnessed instances of women encountering harassment from drivers and their assistants across various modes of transportation.
In response, aside from taking legal measures, we have launched initiatives aimed at fostering respectful behavior.”
Despite these efforts, the challenge of persistent harassment remains. Non-governmental organizations are actively engaged in combatting sexual harassment on public transport, but there is a perceived need for targeted legislation and enhanced discipline within the public transport sector.
Samira Akhter, general secretary of the Aachol Foundation, presents ten specific proposals to address harassment on public transport, including restricting passenger numbers, installing CCTV cameras, mandating nameplates identifying bus staff, holding mobile courts for swift trials, and conducting public awareness initiatives.
