Preventing sexual harassment in buses

Many victims of sexual harassment have recently spoken up on social media, describing the kind of harassments they have faced in public transports. According to a Brac study, about 94 percent of women using public transports have been subjected to such disgraceful harassment at least once.

This is a serious issue and requires proper attention from the government. The authorities should introduce emergency call numbers for victims to use as necessary. The overall security system across the city should also be improved.

Most importantly, there should be a mechanism for victims to report cases of sexual harassment and assault. If victims feel comfortable enough to speak up and the authorities ensure quick and proper prosecution, such menace will end.

Dr Roksana Jahan, Dhaka