DHAKA, April 24, 2025 (BSS) – Special assistant to the chief adviser on Road Transport and Bridges Dr Sheikh Moinuddin today said preventing sexual harassment in public transport is a collective responsibility, urging all citizens to break the silence when witnessing harassment.

“Preventing sexual harassment in public transport is a shared responsibility. Too often, we remain silent even when we witness harassment. But silence doesn’t solve the problem—we must speak out,” he said.

He was addressing as the chief guest at the launch of the “Hold the Bar, Not Her Space” campaign, held on Thursday at the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) auditorium in the capital.

The campaign was organized by Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), in collaboration with the DTCA and UN Women Bangladesh, with support from the Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh.

Sheikh Moinuddin, in his remarks, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to gender equality across all sectors and pledged ongoing support to ensure safe and inclusive mobility for all.

“Dr Muhammad Yunus has a vision for a rights-based and equitable Bangladesh. Hopefully, we will succeed. But this journey requires everyone’s support,” he said.

Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Nicolas Weeks said, “This campaign is a call for action of every commuter, every driver, every conductor and every policymaker.”

“It is a call to build a culture where harassment is not tolerated, and where women and girls feel not just allowed but welcomed in every public space,” he said.

Representative of UN Women Bangladesh Gitanjali Singh and Managing Director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited Faruq Ahmed also addressed the occasion, chaired by Executive director of DTCA Neelima Akhter.

Executive director of Manusher Jonno Foundation Shaheen Anam, in her welcome speech, said, “The current government came to power through a commitment to eliminating discrimination, including gender-based disparities. If women feel unsafe in public transport, it’s a form of discrimination—because it prevents them from reaching their destinations safely.”

“Regardless of profession or attire, no woman should be subjected to indecent behavior. Such actions are not only unacceptable but must also be treated as punishable offences. A zero-tolerance policy toward harassment is essential,” she added.

Prior to the event, over 160 transport workers from Dhaka Chaka, Nagar Paribahan, BRTC, and Hanif Paribahan received training under the “Hold the Bar, Not Her Space” campaign from March 16 to 20.

The “Hold the Bar, Not Her Space” campaign will span across the capital’s buses, metro rail, and key transport hubs, utilizing posters, public service announcement videos, training sessions, and direct community engagement to spread awareness and encourage action.