Women taking the wheel in port city
Breaking away from conservative societal norms, more and more women are taking control of their vehicles on the roads in Chattogram, both in the city and across the district.
While women on scooters or behind the steering wheel can be seen sometimes in the capital, the scenario in the port city was quite different even a few years ago. However, that is now changing gradually, despite some inconvenience faced in obtaining licenses.
According to sources at the Chattogram office of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), a total of 1,262 driving licenses have been issued to women in the last 10 years, with some 500 of them in the last three years.
In different upazilas under the district, workers of different non-government organisations are also using motorbikes and scooters more, said local sources.
"Among the total number of licenses given, 428 were issued for users in the district while 834 were issued under the metropolitan circle," said Shafiqul Islam, administrative officer of Chattogram BRTA.
The officer said, "The number of women applicants for licenses has been increasing, as students and job-holders are using bikes or scooters to save time and avoid the hassle of public transport."
However, BRTA is yet to introduce a separate cell for women for their applications and exams to get license.
Khatiza Begum Runa, assistant revenue officer of Chattogram Customs, has been riding her motorbike to work for a while now. She also helps women learn motorbike driving, providing informal training in the city's CRB area.
"Female license seekers have to take part in license exams standing in long, crowded queues, and it becomes difficult sometimes to be there for a long time. For instance, there is no toilet for women to use there," she told The Daily Star.
"However, BRTA officials are helpful; if there is a separate cell for woman, it would be better for us," she said.
Tirtha Pratim Barua, an inspector of Chattogram BRTA, told this newspaper, "it is true that there is no separate arrangement for female in license examination, but the authority is thinking about it."
"However, we give priority if there is any female examinee so she could easily finish both practical and written examinations," he added.
Sirajum Munira, a private job holder and license-seeker, has been practicing driving by borrowing her friend's scooter. "Sometimes men stare in strange ways when I'm out practicing near my house," she said. "People's mindset need to change; women driving a scooter should not be an odd sight."
Rehana Begum Ranu, a women's rights activist, lauded the changing trend. "Even five or six years ago, only women from the most elite class of society would be seen behind the wheel. But that is changing. Mothers are driving their children to school, or going to their workplace on their own. This, I believe, will help in women's empowerment, by encouraging those who are thinking of getting their own vehicles but are still apprehensive," she told this newspaper.
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