‘Pink Bus’ Service Launched for Women in Chattogram

Bashir Ahmed Rubel, Chattogram

A dedicated ‘Pink Bus’ service has been introduced in Chattogram city with the objective of ensuring safe, comfortable, and harassment-free public transportation for women.

On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, the service was officially inaugurated through a balloon release ceremony held at the Kalurghat Betar Kendra area in Chattogram.

Member of Parliament Ershad Ullah attended the inauguration as the chief guest. Chattogram District Commissioner Zahidur Rahman Mia, along with other relevant officials, was also present at the event.

The initiative has been launched by the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC). Initially, two buses have been introduced for operation in Chattogram.

A notable feature of the Pink Bus service is that both drivers and conductors are women.

This initiative is expected to foster a safer and more comfortable travel environment for female passengers, while also creating new employment opportunities for women in the transport sector.

The Pink Bus route has been designed to connect several key areas of Chattogram.

The buses will operate from Kalurghat Betar Kendra via Kaptai Rastar Matha, Bahaddarhat, Muradpur, 2 No. Gate, GEC, Lalkhan Bazar, Agrabad, and Freeport to Patenga.

This route will facilitate convenient travel for women between residential areas and major commercial and industrial zones of the city.

Chattogram is one of Bangladesh’s major industrial and commercial hubs, with a large number of women commuting daily to factories, offices, educational institutions, and business establishments.

Many of these commuters face challenges such as overcrowding, limited seating availability, and safety concerns during travel.

In response to these issues, the Pink Bus service has been introduced to provide a dedicated and safer public transport option for women.

The effectiveness of this initiative will largely depend on service regularity, punctuality, adequate trip frequency, designated stops, and the expansion of the fleet in line with passenger demand.

With only two buses currently in operation, it remains uncertain whether the service will sufficiently meet the needs of Chattogram’s large female commuter population.

If the initiative receives a positive response, the number of Pink Buses may be expanded to additional key routes across the city in the future.

Overall, the Pink Bus service represents a significant step toward improving safe and comfortable transportation for women in Chattogram.

The key question now is the extent to which this service will enhance the daily commuting experience of women in the city.