59 women raped, sexually assaulted in public transport in 2019: study

A total of 59 women were raped and sexually harassed on public transport across the country in 2019, according to a survey by Jatri Kalyan Samity.

Last year, there were 52 incidents of women repression on public modes of transportation -- 44 on the roads and four each on rail and river ways -- Jatri Kalyan Samity today revealed in the survey that was based on reports published in newspapers.

Among the incidents, there were 16 rapes, 12 gang rapes, nine attempted rapes and 15 sexual harassment cases.

The survey said a total of 44 cases were filed and 93 accused were arrested.

Amid countrywide protests, the trial of Rupa Khatun murder case ended within a short period in 2019. Four transport workers were sentenced to death and one was given seven years' imprisonment for raping and killing law student Rupa Khatun in a moving bus in Tangail in 2017.

Besides, women are subject to sexual assault, harassment and repression while using public modes of transport, the survey said, adding that they are not only harassed by transport workers but also by other males travelling with them.

While revealing the survey, General Secretary of Jatri Kalyan Samity Mojammel Haque said the real picture is worse.

Many of these victims do not see justice as they do not file cases fearing social stigma and a lengthy legal process, he added.

The platform also placed eight recommendations to stop such crimes. Those are -- placing CCTV cameras inside public modes of transport; mandate uniforms and nameplates for bus drivers, helpers and supervisors; and prepare data base with appointment letters, national identity cards and photos of driver, helpers and supervisors.

Also, hang the transport company's hotline numbers, phone numbers and vehicle numbers in visible locations; increase public transports; and reserve seats for women near the exits.

Recommendations also include stopping the use of unclear glasses as window glasses of the transport; and speedy trial of sexual harassment-related cases.