Desher Kaj
Queue day, Dhaka
One morning at a bus stand or ticket counter, forming and keeping a queue.
Area
Dhaka
People
6 people
Time
About 3 hours
Difficulty
Easy
About this task
Pushing at Dhaka’s bus and train ticket counters is an everyday sight. Three hours at a bus stand, ticket counter or service centre, making a queue with a rope and a sign and encouraging people to stand in it. A separate place for the elderly, disabled people and parents with babies.
Why it matters
In a crush the weakest lose most. Queuing is a small habit, but once people see it done they keep it themselves.
What changes after
The photo shows the queue; the authority agrees to keep the rope and sign for good.
Who can join
Anyone; patience and a smile are enough.
Step by step
- 1Done
Spot and time30 min
The busiest hours, agreed with the staff of the place.
- 2Done
Rope and sign30 min
A rope and a sign: “Please queue”, with a separate place for the elderly.
- 3Done
Keep the queue for three hours180 min
Volunteers at the head and tail of the queue, politely.
Checklist to get ready
- Rope · ২০ মিটার
When it counts as done
- The photo shows the queue
Proof required: Photo, Video
⚠ Safety
Never physically hold anyone back. If a quarrel starts, step away and call the staff of the place.
What it costs
| Nylon rope | 20 metres | ৳8–15 |
| Posts or bamboo stands for the rope | 4 | ৳50–120 |
| Signs: “Please queue” and “Elders, disabled people, parents with babies” | 2 | ৳150–400 |
| Volunteer vests | 6 | ৳120–250 |
| Drinking water | 12 bottles | ৳20–30 |
| Total (about) | ৳1,600–3,500 | |
Getting ready, step by step
7 days before
Pick the spot; visit once at rush hour to see where the queue breaks.
Meet the authority and get written consent.
3 days before
Buy or make rope, posts, signs and vests.
Sketch where the rope goes; a separate line for elders.
The day before
Assign roles and repeat the rules: smile, no arguing, never touch anyone.
Confirm the time with the staff of the place.
The day
Rope and signs up before the rush.
Hold the queue three hours; photos and a short video at start and end.
The week after
Ask the authority to keep the rope and signs for good.
Go back once to see if the queue holds by itself.
Who does what
- Lead and liaison (1): Talks to staff; handles any trouble. — ____________
- At the head of the queue (2): Sends people to the counter one by one. — ____________
- At the tail (2): Politely shows newcomers to the end. — ____________
- Elders' line and photos (1): Helps elders and disabled people; photos and video. — ____________
The day, hour by hour
- 06:30Meet, put on vests, recap roles.
- 06:45Set up rope, posts and signs.
- 07:00Queue starts; first photo.
- 08:30Swap places and water break, one at a time.
- 10:00Final photo and short video; is the queue still there?
- 10:15Thank the staff; ask to leave the rope.
- 10:30Five minutes on what we learned.
What can go wrong, and what to do
- Someone jumps the queue and argues → Ask politely once, then step back and call the staff. Never hold anyone.
- The crowd pushes and breaks the rope → Let the rope go so no one is hurt; put it back when it calms.
- Heat and sun → Rest in turns; water and caps.
Useful numbers
- 999National emergency: police, fire, ambulance (free)
Questions people ask
- Can I join if I cannot stay the whole time?
- Yes. Say in your request which step or which hours you can do. The lead will give that step to you.