Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, is a city where millions depend on buses for their daily commute. But taking a bus here can feel like a gamble, a rollercoaster of fear and frustration that passengers must endure each day.
Packed Like Sardines
To start with, buses are often *crammed* beyond capacity. It’s like trying to fit into a packed tin of sardines, but with far more sweaty people. Passengers hang from doors, sit on rooftops, and even end up sitting on each other’s laps. This overcrowding creates a dangerous situation, where one misstep could lead to disaster.
Mad Max on Wheels
Then, there’s the driving. It’s nothing short of a real-life “Mad Max” scenario, with drivers constantly racing, cutting each other off, and blatantly ignoring traffic rules. Every journey feels uncertain—whether you’ll reach your destination safely or end up in a hospital is anyone’s guess.
Broken Down Buses
If reckless driving doesn’t do the damage, the condition of the buses might. Many of these vehicles are old, poorly maintained, and prone to breakdowns. It’s like travelling in a ticking time bomb, with mechanical failures just waiting to happen.
A Dangerous Place for Women
For women, the situation can be even more troubling. Overcrowded buses often become hotspots for harassment, pickpocketing, and other unsavoury activities. Women constantly have to be on high alert, fending off unwanted attention in an already stressful environment.
What Can Be Done?
So, what can be done to make Dhaka’s bus journeys safer? For starters, the government must strictly enforce traffic regulations. Drivers need to be properly trained and held accountable for their reckless behaviour. Investing in a modern fleet of buses is crucial, and improvements in infrastructure, such as designated bus stops and sheltered waiting areas, would go a long way in making commuting safer.
However, it’s not just the responsibility of the authorities. As passengers, we too have a role to play. We need to stay aware of our surroundings, report any incidents, and collectively demand better services from public transportation.
Until these changes are implemented, taking a bus in Dhaka will remain a risky endeavour. It’s a daily struggle for many—a true test of patience and courage. Let’s hope that one day, commuting in Dhaka will become a safer and more comfortable experience for everyone.