Queue day, Dhaka
One morning at a bus stand or ticket counter, forming and keeping a queue.
- 0/6 people
- About 3 hours
- 10
- points
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
0 of 3 steps doneHow to do it, in order.About 4 hours across all steps
- 1
Spot and time
The busiest hours, agreed with the staff of the place.
30 min
Not startedIn hand:Nobody yet - 2
Rope and sign
A rope and a sign: “Please queue”, with a separate place for the elderly.
30 minদড়ি, সাইন
Not startedIn hand:Nobody yet - 3
Keep the queue for three hours
Volunteers at the head and tail of the queue, politely.
180 minভেস্ট
Not startedIn hand:Nobody yet
What you need
- 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.
The full guide
What it takes, and how to do it
Never done this before? No matter. The cost, the timeline, who does what, whom to speak to, the day hour by hour, the risks and ready words to send are all here.
- About
- ৳1,600–3,500
- People
- 6
- Time in all
- 3 hours
- Age
- 14 or older
Best timeAny time of year, at the busiest hours: 7–10 am. Most needed at ticket counters before Eid; agree with the authority well ahead then.
PermissionThe consent of whoever runs the place: station master, counter manager or the officer in charge of the service centre.
What it costs
Prices differ by district and season; this is a 2026 estimate. Keep receipts and put them in the proof.
| What | How much | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Nylon rope20 metresWhere: Hardware shop | 20 metres | ৳8–15 |
| Posts or bamboo stands for the rope4Where: Bamboo or hardware shop | 4 | ৳50–120 |
| Signs: “Please queue” and “Elders, disabled people, parents with babies”2Where: Sign or print shop | 2 | ৳150–400 |
| Volunteer vests6Where: Safety-gear shop | 6 | ৳120–250 |
| Drinking water12 bottlesWhere: Grocer | 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 liaison1
Talks to staff; handles any trouble.
At the head of the queue2
Sends people to the counter one by one.
At the tail2
Politely shows newcomers to the end.
Elders' line and photos1
Helps elders and disabled people; photos and video.
Whom to speak to first
Station master, counter manager or officer in charge
- Why
- It is their place; if they agree the rope can stay.
- How
- Meet in person and hand in a short written request.
Bus owners' association or counter staff
- Why
- Without their help the queue will not hold.
- How
- Visit the counter the day before and show the plan.
Local police station duty officer or traffic police
- Why
- Good to inform at big crowded places.
- How
- Give an information note; not permission, only notice.
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.
How to take the proof
- From the same angle: yesterday's crush and today's queue.
- A 30-second video from a high spot showing the whole queue.
- No close-up faces; the queue from a distance.
Common first-time mistakes
- Putting up a rope without telling the authority.
- Shouting or scolding; people then dig in.
- No separate place for elders.
- Doing it in a quiet hour; the photo shows nothing.
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.
Ready words to send
Copy, fill the [brackets], send.
Invitation to volunteers
Queue day! [date], 6:30 to 10:30 am, [place]. A rope and a smile, holding a queue for three hours, with a separate place for elders and parents with babies. Our rules: no arguing, never touch anyone. Six people needed. Join on the task page or tell [name].
Request for the authority's consent
To: The [designation: station master / manager], [place], [address] Subject: Permission for volunteer queue management on the morning of [date]. Sir/Madam, Our volunteer team [team name] would like, on [date] from 7 to 10 am, to set up a rope and signs at the [counter/platform] and encourage passengers to queue, with a separate place for elders and disabled people. We will not argue with any passenger and will call your staff if there is trouble. If you wish, we can leave the rope and signs here afterwards. Yours faithfully, [name], team lead, [date]
After it is done
- Hand the rope and signs over to the authority.
- Go back one day a month and photograph at the same hour.
- Ask one staff member to own the queue.
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.