Bangladeshi women gaining independence on the Scooti

Atiqua Roma has launched a driving school in Dhaka called 'Jabo Bohudur' to teach women to travel independently and safely on scooters. Click the audio player to listen to SBS Bangla's interview with Atiqua Roma.

Atiqua Roma with the riders. Source: Supplied

Atiqua Roma was the first female bike rider in Bangladesh to have crossed Bangladesh's highest road, Thanchi Ali Kadam, on a scooter in December 2010.

But the issue of women's safety on public transport was a concern for Atiqua.  While harassment of females on public transport is rife it was one incident in particular that worried her - a video that emerged of a man cutting a girl's clothing on a bus with blades.

Then in April this year, she established 'Jabo Bohudur'. 

"I dream that one day 200 girls will drive Scooti around Dhaka City," Atiqua Roma told SBS Bangla.

Atiqua Roma. Source: Supplied

Already 63 women over 12 courses have received their training from the driving school.

"We are getting good responses. Every day 15-16 people are registering, "said Atiqua Roma.

"Those who are going abroad they want to learn Scooti driving.  And the media girls are also learning, they see it as a 'skill'."

The open space is important to operate the school. Which has now become a major problem.

"Near future, we have plans to run some driving school camp in other cities," Roma said.

Logo of Jabo Bohudur. Source: Supplied

Atiqua Roma is the first woman bike rider in Bangladesh who crossed the Bangladesh's highest road Thanchi Ali Kadam by running a scooter in December 2010.