They have expressed their opinions at a public hearing
Differently-abled people have demanded their rights to access all of Bangladesh's transportation systems.
They demanded this at a program titled “Public Hearing on the Status of Women with Disabilities in Mass Transport Accessibility” at RC Majumder Hall, University of Dhaka, around 10:00am on Thursday.
A group of differently-abled people participated in the hearing and expressed their opinions on transport accessibility.
Sagir Hussen, who has a physical disability, said: "Every time we try to board a public bus, the drivers' assistants prevent us from boarding, stating that it would be difficult for us to stand during the ride.
“Therefore, we have to spend a long time on the streets waiting for a bus that will let us in.”
Another differently-abled person Nayeem Molla said: “Government has passed a law to reserve five to 13 seats, on busses, for people with disabilities. Although the rule is inscribed on the walls of most buses, no one allows us to sit there.”
He said Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) knows about this problem but has not taken any measures to resolve it.
Mustafizur Rahman, manager of BRTC (technical) said BRTC has been trying to take necessary action regarding the matter.
He said: “Everyone should realize that it is the mentality of bus conductors, drivers, and people that causes problems. Therefore, we must be patient.”
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