BRTC to launch 'women-only' pink bus service in Dhaka

Dhaka: Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) is set to roll out pink buses operated by women drivers and conductors, exclusively for female passengers, with the official inauguration scheduled for August 18 at the organization's Dhaka Truck Depot in Tejgaon.

Road Transport and Bridges, Railways, and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam will attend the launch program as chief guest, while State Minister Habibur Rashid will be present as special guest.

Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr. Mohammad Ziaul Haque will also join the event, and BRTC Chairman Abdul Latif Molla will chair the event.

BRTC said the initiative is part of the government's broader program to fulfill commitments outlined in its election manifesto.

The move follows a February directive from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for a dedicated women-only city bus service, which Minister Alam had confirmed would be operated across all major routes in Dhaka, with an all-female staff of drivers, supervisors, and helpers.

Commuting safely has remained a persistent concern for women in the capital, with many citing harassment and discrimination, particularly during peak hours, as barriers to safe and timely travel.

Private operators had previously attempted similar women-only bus services, but most shut down due to low profitability and a lack of policy support.

Female passengers have pointed to the reserved compartments on Dhaka's metrorail as evidence that gender-segregated transport options can meaningfully improve daily commutes, fueling optimism that the new BRTC service could offer similar benefits on the road.

The pink bus rollout marks BRTC's first concrete step toward realizing the government's promise of safer, more accessible public transport for women across the capital.