The High Court on Tuesday directed the government to keep separate compartments for women in all passenger trains during the upcoming Eid festivals.

The bench issued the order following a petition seeking directives for ensuring reserved compartments for women passengers during the Eid travels.

The court asked the secretary of the railway ministry, the secretary of the home ministry, the general manager of Bangladesh Railway and the government inspector of Bangladesh Railway to implement the directive.

Advocate Md Ajmol Hossain Khokon filed the writ petition in March 2021, challenging the authorities’ failure to implement Sections 64 and 119 of the Bangladesh Railway Act, 1890.

On March 7, 2021, a High Court bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice S M Maniruzzaman issued a rule over the matter.

During the hearing, the petitioner said the government had earlier introduced reserved compartments for women in passenger trains during Eid festivals. However, after the political changeover, such facilities were reportedly not maintained in several intercity trains and metro rail services during the last Eid holidays.

The petition stated that women passengers again faced difficulties and harassment while travelling during Eid.

It also said many women depend on trains to travel home during Eid and are legally entitled to reserved compartments for safe and comfortable journeys.

The court observed that ensuring reserved compartments for women during Eid travel was necessary for their safety and convenience.