The High Court (HC) has directed railway authorities to ensure a dedicated compartment for female passengers in every passenger train across the country, specifically in view of the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha.
The order aims to ease the travel hardships faced by women during the busy holiday season by enforcing long-standing railway laws.
A HC bench comprising Justice Fahmida Quader and Justice Asif Hasan passed the order on Tuesday following a supplementary petition. 
Advocate Md. Azmal Hossain Khokon, representing the petitioner, argued that despite legal requirements, separate sections for women are rarely maintained in the country's rail service.
The legal basis for this directive lies in Section 64 of the Railways Act of 1890, which mandates that every train must have a designated compartment for female passengers. 
Furthermore, the law stipulates that for journeys exceeding 50 miles, these compartments must include an attached washroom. Under Section 119 of the same Act, unauthorized entry into these reserved areas is a punishable offense subject to fines.
The issue was first brought to the court’s attention in 2021 when lawyer Momtaz Parveen filed a writ petition regarding the lack of implementation of these safety measures. 
In response, the High Court issued a rule on March 10, 2021, asking the government to explain why it should not be mandated to provide these reserved spaces.
Advocate Khokon noted that although the law has existed for over a century, its practical application has been absent, leading to significant discomfort and security concerns for female commuters. 
The court’s intervention is expected to provide a safer and more comfortable journey for women traveling to celebrate the festival with their families.