Public toilets at major bus terminals in Dhaka are reported to be in poor condition and lack adequate facilities for women, according to recent observations and user accounts. The terminals at Mohakhali, Gabtali, Sayedabad, and Cumilla Field have drawn criticism for insufficient cleanliness, maintenance issues, and limited access for female passengers.
At Mohakhali Inter-District Bus Terminal, users find only one functional cubicle designated for women within the main terminal building, a situation that has persisted since much of the previous women’s toilet section was converted into men’s facilities around three years ago. Mohammad Razu Mia, cashier of the terminal’s toilet facilities, explained that the change was implemented due to the comparatively lower number of female users. However, passengers such as Afsana Akter have condemned the arrangement, describing it as inconvenient and calling for more toilets reserved exclusively for women.
A site visit to Mohakhali revealed four public toilets in total, none with a fully dedicated women’s section. Several of these facilities were reportedly unclean, with dirty toilet pans, urinals, and unpleasant odors. An independently built women's toilet, launched in March by WaterAid and the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), was observed locked during an afternoon visit in July, although a local shopkeeper said it typically remained open.
Similar issues were found at Gabtali Bus Terminal, where only one of four public toilets, constructed with WaterAid support, was well-maintained and equipped with soap and hygiene materials. This facility operates 24 hours and is serviced round the clock by a cleaning staff of five. The other three toilets suffered from poor upkeep, including malfunctioning doors, water pumps, and lighting. Caretaker Jamal Uddin attributed the lack of repairs to inaction from the city corporation.
At Sayedabad Inter-District Bus Terminal, two of four public toilets have separate facilities for women and are reportedly in relatively better condition. However, attendants there acknowledged allowing men to use women’s sections during times of low female usage to accommodate demand. This practice has drawn concern among users who emphasize the need for gender-segregated facilities. Other toilets at the terminal and at Cumilla Field Terminal were found to be only moderately maintained, often becoming quickly dirty due to shoe traffic and damaged infrastructure.
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Abdus Salam confirmed that the current number of public toilets at bus terminals is insufficient. He indicated that plans are underway to increase the quantity of these facilities. Salam also cited problems with contractors failing to maintain the toilets properly after winning tenders, but said the city corporation has initiated measures to improve monitoring, cleaning, and repairs. A DNCC official similarly affirmed ongoing efforts to ensure better maintenance of public toilets under their jurisdiction.
The conditions of public toilets at these major transport hubs underscore ongoing challenges in providing adequate sanitation infrastructure, especially for female passengers, highlighting the need for sustained attention and investment from municipal authorities.