The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has launched an experimental school bus service in Dhaka to facilitate safe student commutes in the congested city.
The DNCC Smart School Bus Service was introduced at Banani Bidyaniketan School and College on Wednesday (3 July).
DNCC Mayor Atiqul Islam stated that initially, a total of 460 students of Banani Bidyaniketan School and College can use three buses for their commute. He mentioned that this service will gradually be introduced in other schools. The school bus service aims to ensure student safety and protect the environment.
According to the school authorities, 3,000 students will come under the school bus service by January, with an additional 20 buses added to the fleet.
Mayor Atiqul Islam noted that it is often seen that eight to ten students travel to school in a van, and many schools use microbuses for transportation, both of which are unsafe.
He emphasized that the launch of school buses will reduce traffic congestion, carbon emissions, and environmental pollution.
Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury was present at the event as the chief guest and praised the initiative as a milestone.
"Parents need to abandon the practice of bringing their children to school in expensive cars if they can afford it. If the school is within walking distance, children should be encouraged to walk," said Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury.
