Chief adviser's Special Assistant Sheikh Moinuddin spoke at a program organized at the DTCA Hall Room in the capital today. Photo : Embassy

DHAKA, April 24, 2025 (BSS) - Aiming to create a safer, more inclusive and harassment-free public transportation for women and marginalised groups in Dhaka city, a campaign titled "Hold The Bar, Not Her Space" was launched today. 

Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), in collaboration with Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) and UN Women Bangladesh, and with support from the Embassy of Sweden, launched the campaign at DTCA Hall Room in the city, said a press release.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Sheikh Moinuddin, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, as the chief guest. 

In his remarks, Moinuddin reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensure gender equality across all sectors, including transport, and pledged support for promoting safe and inclusive mobility for all.

He said, "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. Men must also realise that women deserve equal rights and respect in society."

Sweden Ambassador to Bangladesh Nicolas Weeks delivered remarks as a special guest.

He said this campaign is a call to action for every commuter, every driver, every conductor, and every policymaker. It is a call to build a culture where harassment is not accepted and where women and girls feel not just permitted but welcomed in every public space, he added.

Representative of UN Women Bangladesh Gitanjali Singh and Managing Director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited Faruque Ahmed also joined as special guests. 

Neelima Akhter, Executive Director of DTCA, chaired the event while MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam gave welcome address.

Shaheen Anam said the "Hold The Bar, Not Her Space" campaign will cover key transit modes including buses, metro rail, and major transport hubs across the capital. The initiative features targeted outreach to transport workers-drivers, conductors, and helpers- as well as passengers, with the goal of fostering awareness, behaviour change, and shared responsibility to end gender-based harassment.