Jannatul Ferdous Doly, Uk

In the United Kingdom, the majority of people rely on public transport such as trains and buses for their daily commute. Yet, the scenes I witness almost every day are deeply disheartening.
Elderly people holding handrails, or pregnant women clutching their bellies, are often seen standing near train doors or in the middle of crowded carriages. This happens despite the clear presence of Priority Seats. Due to a lack of human compassion among some passengers, daily travel has become increasingly difficult and painful for those who need these seats the most.
Many people deliberately pretend not to notice. Eyes fixed on mobile screens, headphones on, lost in sleep or entertainment— as if the reflection on a phone screen and the comfort of a seat define their sense of humanity. They show little to no concern for those for whom giving up a seat is not a favour, but a necessity.
Every day, we see the sign that reads “Please offer this priority seat.” Sadly, some people seem to have lost the ability—or the conscience—to understand what this message truly means. As a result, sick, elderly, and pregnant passengers suffer discomfort instead of finding relief.
One day, while I was seated on a train, I noticed a pregnant woman standing near the door with a baby stroller. I immediately stood up and offered her my seat. She accepted with visible relief, sat down with her tired body, and gave me a gentle, peaceful smile.
Believe me, in that smile I saw the victory of humanity. Giving up a seat never makes anyone poorer. Rather, it reflects our civilisation and conscience— a mirror in which we recognise our humanity.
On another occasion, I was standing near the door when an elderly man boarded the train at Whitechapel station. He was holding a walking stick and searching helplessly for a seat. Meanwhile, a young man was occupying a priority seat, completely absorbed in his mobile phone— lost in games and casual chats.
In a situation where offering a seat to a deserving person is a basic human responsibility, many now choose to avoid it, considering it an inconvenience. This is never acceptable. A nation’s culture and humanity are often judged by such small yet meaningful acts.
A few months ago, while travelling to Whitechapel, I was fortunate to meet a respected teacher of mine, Ataur Rahman Sir on the train. He was seated at the time and, given his age, was fully entitled to the priority seat. Yet, upon seeing a pregnant woman standing, he immediately stood up and offered her his seat.
The woman looked at him in surprise and gratitude, thanked him repeatedly, and sat down with her exhausted body. The peace and relief on her face were truly beautiful. I felt immense pride witnessing such humanity in my teacher. I hope the many silent onlookers on that train learned something from that moment— though for them, offering a priority seat seemed merely optional.
In truth, it is a moral and human obligation for all of us. An elderly man gave up his seat for a pregnant woman, while many young men and women remained seated— a clear reflection of indifference and moral blindness.
Therefore, no matter which country we live in or which transport we use, we must never forget the true meaning of priority seating. We should never hesitate to offer our seat to those who genuinely need it.
Let us awaken our conscience. Let us proudly offer priority seats. Change begins with us— and only then will those around us change. Only then will these painful scenes on trains begin to fade.
And finally, in the language of poetry, my humble appeal:
“A seat is never too small to give,
For in its sacrifice, humanity lives.
Leave a little comfort behind today,
Let conscience lead you on the way.
Give the weak the seat they need,
Only then, as human, you’ll succeed.”

✍️Jannatul Ferdous Doly
Poet & Writer
Reporter: Bangla View. Net,J Times TV
Organising & Training Secretary of Uk Bangla Reporters Unity. Uk.
(Published Poetry book ‘Abak Kora Aj’