United News of Bangladesh

Faulty design and negligence by the contractor and consulting firms may have caused the recent Metro route’s bearing pad fall incident that claimed the life of a pedestrian, said Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) Managing Director Faruque Ahmed on Monday (3rd November 2025). “After last year’s incident, we carried out inspections both physically and using drones. Another inspection was conducted two months ago. Our top priority is ensuring safety. There may have been faults in the design,” he said at a press briefing held at the DMTCL headquarters in Uttara. The accident might have occurred due to several factors, including the use of substandard materials or a lack of proper understanding of the work, which will be confirmed after an investigation, he added. “It was the consultancy firm’s responsibility to verify the work. Due to their lack of expertise, deficiencies exist,” said the DMTCL MD. Read more: Construction worker dies after falling from Kamalapur metro rail station He also pointed out that the Line-1 project currently has no project director, but four to five new directors will be appointed soon. “We have to build the metro ourselves. We want to move forward by prioritising local expertise through smart financing. There is a conflict of interest with the investor. I have been given a 50-year warranty, but within that framework, my authority is quite limited,” he said, adding that design changes could be made if necessary. Faruque Ahmed urged political parties and others to refrain from pasting posters on metro rail pillars. “If physical cracks are hidden under them, they remain undetected. Based on our expenditure, this metro was expected to be among the best in the world—but the reality is different. Those responsible for approving or certifying the work will be held accountable if any irregularities are found,” he said. Read more: Metro Rail’s Friday schedule revised Referring to the fatal incident at Farmgate Metro Rail Station, he said the family of Abul Kalam Azad—who died after a bearing pad fell on him—has been provided with Tk 5 lakh in initial financial assistance. “This amount is not compensation for the loss of life; it is immediate assistance,” said the DMTCL MD. “Right after the incident, we went to the spot and managed all arrangements—from hospital procedures to the funeral—along with the ministry. Later, an adviser from the ministry also provided some emergency support.” He added that long-term support initiatives have been taken for the deceased’s family. “We have met with the victim’s wife and arranged a job for her according to her qualifications. She will be appointed once she submits the required documents,” said Faruque Ahmed. He mentioned that the victim’s wife is expected to complete her honours degree in about six months, after which she will be eligible for promotion based on her qualifications. Read more: HC issues rule on compensation of Tk 2 cr for metro bearing pad fall death

A pedestrian was killed after a bearing pad (spring) fell from a metro rail pillar near Farmgate Station in the capital on Sunday noon, prompting authorities to suspend metro services. The incident took place around 12:15 pm in front of the Bangladesh Agricultural Institute, adjacent to the Farmgate Metro Station, said Tejgaon Police Station officer-in-charge (OC) Mobarak Hossain. Sub-inspector (SI) Nazrul Islam said they had informed metro authorities about the fallen bearing pad. “Metro services have been halted for now and legal procedures are underway after recovering the body,” he added. The deceased was identified as Abul Kalam Azad, a resident of Kishorkathi village in Naria upazila of Shariatpur district. Dhaka's street chaos takes root beneath its Metro Rail Witnesses said a heavy metal object suddenly fell from above and struck the man on the head while he was walking past the area. He suffered critical injuries and severe bleeding on the spot and locals rushed him to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead. According to Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), metro services between Uttara and Motijheel were suspended from 12:30 pm following the accident. The resumption time has yet to be confirmed. A similar incident occurred on September 18 last year when a bearing pad got loose, halting metro operations for about 11 hours but causing no casualties. Bearing pads are specialised rubber components installed at the joints between piers and viaducts to absorb vibration and support structural movement.  

The metro rail has extended its operation hours by one hour from Sunday, with trains now running half an hour earlier in the morning and half an hour later at night. According to Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), the first metro trip will now begin at 6:30 am instead of 7:10 am, while the last trip will depart at 10:10 pm instead of 9:40 pm. On Fridays, the weekly holiday, metro services will start at 2:30 pm instead of 3:00 pm. Metro rail takes Eid break Saturday DMTCL announced the decision to extend the operation hours last Wednesday, and the new schedule took effect today (Sunday). Besides the extended hours, DMTCL said it plans to increase the number of daily trips within a month. Currently, more than 400,000 passengers commute daily on the Uttara-Motijheel route, which operates with 24 train sets—each comprising six coaches. Of these, 12 sets are currently in service throughout the day. Once the number of trips is increased, 19 sets will be operated simultaneously, which is expected to raise the daily passenger count to over 500,000, according to DMTCL estimates.  

The metro rail service in Dhaka will remain closed on Saturday, as the country celebrates Eid-ul-Azha, the second major religious festival for Muslims, with joy and devotion. Commonly known as the “Qurbani Eid”, Eid-ul-Azha is being observed across Bangladesh with prayers, the ritual slaughtering of animals, and the distribution of meat among relatives, neighbours, and the underprivileged. In Dhaka, while many residents have left the capital to spend the holiday in their hometowns, those who remain often can think of visiting family and friends to distribute meat among relatives or simply enjoy an outing with their loved ones. By afternoon, it is not uncommon to see families stepping out to breathe in the rare calm of a traffic-free city. Sacrifice and Celebration: The spirit of Eid-ul-Azha lives on Many city dwellers, especially in recent times, have come to rely on the metro rail as a convenient and time-saving mode of transport. On special occasions like this, the thought of using the metro rail to save time often comes to mind. However, holiday-goers will have to look for alternative travel options today, as authorities have suspended metro rail operations for Eid-ul-Azha. For many Dhaka residents, the metro rail has become more than just a mode of transport — it is a reliable companion in the daily rush, but on the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, the capital’s most popular commuter service is taking a short break. According to a notice issued by Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) on Wednesday, metro rail services will remain completely closed on Saturday (June 7), the day of Eid. The announcement comes as many city dwellers prepare for the festive holiday, with thousands expected to leave the capital or head out to visit loved ones. While the pause may cause a temporary inconvenience for regular commuters, the break allows for observance of one of the country’s most sacred religious celebrations by its staff. Metro rail operations will resume on Sunday (June 8), from 8am, with trains running every 30 minutes. From June 9 onwards, the services will follow the regular government holiday timetable.

When Dhaka’s metro rail was launched, it was seen as a symbol of a modern, well-organised city.  The sleek tracks above and smooth train rides offered hope that the capital was finally moving forward. But beneath the elevated tracks, a different picture is emerging. The open space below the metro line was designed for greenery and public use. Some trees were planted as part of that plan, but many have since been uprooted.  Dhaka metro rail services resume two hours after disruption Instead of trees and walkways, these areas are now home to the homeless. Since the inauguration of MRT Line-6 on December 28, 2022—from Uttara to Agargaon—the city has gradually extended its metro services to Motijheel.  Yet the space under the tracks, once intended as clean, open zones for pedestrians or communal use, has become overrun. From Farmgate to Karwan Bazar, Kazipara to Mirpur, hawkers and beggars now dominate the area.  Makeshift stalls, street children, and piles of waste line the footpaths, forcing commuters to navigate through chaos. “It’s like we’ve built a metro rail on top of a slum,” said Tanvir Hasan, a university student in Farmgate.  “We thought this was going to change the look of the city. Instead, it just pushed the same problems to a new place,” he said.  Locals describe the scenes as disturbing. Plastic sheets serve as roofs, old mattresses lie on the ground, and vendors fry snacks dangerously close to foot traffic. Beggars sit near the station gates, competing for attention. “This place turns into a mini bazaar every afternoon,” said Asma Khatun, a garment worker in Mirpur-10, adding, “It’s noisy, crowded, and filthy. We don’t feel safe walking here anymore.” The transformation didn’t happen overnight. It began with a single vendor, followed by others. Soon, small groups of homeless people began using the space for shelter. Now, entire stretches resemble informal markets. No visible action has been taken by the authorities to regulate or reclaim these spaces. What was meant to be a revolution in urban transport is becoming another layer of the same old disorder. “This was supposed to be a cleaner, more modern Dhaka,” said Mahbub Alam, a private sector employee who commutes daily via metro.  “But now, under every station, it feels like the same old mess we were trying to get away from,” he said.  Shopkeepers near Karwan Bazar metro station are also struggling.  “It’s difficult for customers to walk through,” said Rina Akter, who runs a grocery nearby.  “The footpath is blocked by vendors, and the area is getting dirty again,” he said.  Urban experts point to a lack of post-construction planning. “If there had been a designated purpose for these spaces—like walkways, green zones, or small parks—this wouldn’t have happened,” said Dr Shafiq Rahman, a regular metro user. The open areas were originally planned to be used for public benefit. These included: Pedestrian Walkways Spaces were meant to allow smooth foot traffic under the tracks, giving people clear access without interference from street vendors. Green Spaces and Parks Some sections were to feature parks or green belts to beautify the area and give residents a break from the concrete jungle.  VAT waived on Dhaka Metro Rail tickets Parking Areas or Bicycle Stands Designated parking for two-wheelers and bicycles was also part of the plan, supporting eco-friendly commuting. Controlled Commercial Zones There was discussion of setting up regulated kiosks or retail booths to serve metro users. These would have been organised, not chaotic. Public Amenities Basic facilities such as seating, toilets, and information booths were also proposed to make metro travel more comfortable.  

Metro rail services in Dhaka are running on schedule after employees of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) called off their work stoppage, which began on Monday morning in protest against alleged harassment by MRT police. The strike was triggered by accusations of verbal and physical abuse by some MRT police officers. Dhaka Metro sets new record carrying 403,164 passengers in a single day According to a DMTCL staff member, who requested anonymity, the incident occurred when MRT police intercepted their colleagues for not using passes and allegedly assaulted them. "We decided to halt work in response to the harassment, but we have now ended the protest after receiving assurances from senior management that appropriate action will be taken against those responsible," the staff member told UNB. Uninterrupted services, but ticketing bypassed Despite the protest, metro services continued operating, though employees refrained from their duties. As a result, some passengers were able to travel without purchasing tickets. Mohammad Sabbir Alam, a regular commuter, told UNB about his experience: "When I boarded the metro at Mirpur 11 at 7:30 am, I learned about the work stoppage. A metro rail staff member informed me that since the trains were still running, I could travel without buying a ticket. I went from Mirpur 11 to Motijheel without punching my metro pass." Technical glitch disrupts Dhaka Metro service DMTCL management response DMTCL Managing Director Faruque Ahmed confirmed that metro operations were back to normal. "I visited every metro station this morning, and everything is running smoothly. While there were some technical issues, they have all been resolved," he told UNB. Employees' demands On Sunday, employees issued a press release under the banner of "All Officers and Employees of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited," outlining six key demands in response to the alleged incident. These include: *Permanent dismissal of sub-inspector Masud, who was allegedly involved in the assault. *Disciplinary action and a public apology from all implicated officers, including Constable Rejanul and Inspector Ranjit. *Formation of a dedicated armed security force for metro rail operations, employees, and passengers. *Immediate dissolution of MRT police. *Full security for all employees on duty, including CRAs, TMOs, and station controllers. *Restrictions on unauthorised entry into station paid zones. *Comprehensive medical coverage for the injured staff member. While the protest has ended, it remains to be seen how DMTCL management will address the employees' demands, said commuters.

A technical issue temporarily disrupted Dhaka Metro Rail services on the Pallabi-Motijheel route, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded for nearly an hour on Saturday. The incident caused significant delays and overcrowding at stations before partial service resumed. According to sources at the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), the problem began after 1 PM when the last train departing from Uttara Centre station towards Motijheel encountered difficulties. Metro Rail’s Friday schedule revised Passengers said that the train halted mid-track just before reaching Uttara South station and remained stationary for approximately 15 minutes. It was eventually brought back to Uttara Centre station, where passengers were asked to disembark. The metro authorities then worked to resolve the issue, operating the train without passengers. Partial service between Motijheel and Pallabi resumed after an hour. But trains travelling from Uttara to Motijheel are yet to return to their regular schedule. The Dhaka Metro Rail system, inaugurated to great fanfare, has quickly become a vital part of the city’s transportation network. From tomorrow, Metro Rail will also operate on Fridays Offering a faster, more reliable alternative to the heavily congested roadways, it has earned widespread popularity among commuters. DMTCL assured passengers that measures are being taken to prevent similar issues in the future and to ensure the reliability of metro services.

The Mirpur-10 metro rail station reopened on Tuesday, almost three months after it was vandalised in July last.  “Today we reopened the Mirpur-10 metro station after two months and 17 days. Tk 1.25 crore has so far been spent (to repair the Mirpur-10 and Kazipara metro rail station). Some damaged equipment was replaced here by ones from the other two stations not disturbing their operations,” said Road Transport and Bridges Adviser M Fouzul Kabir Khan. But when the equipment for the other two stations will be brought, then the final cost against repairing the Kazipara and Mirpur-10 metro rail stations would be some Tk 18.86 crore, he said adding that some spare equipment will also be procured within the cost. The adviser said this while exchanging greetings with metro rail passengers and journalists at the Mirpur-10 metro rail station in the capital on the occasion of reopening the station. On July 19, miscreants went on a rampage at Mirpur-10 and Kazipara metro stations amid the student movement for quota reform in the public service jobs, which later turned into a student-people uprising that toppled the Sheikh Hasina-led government. Kazipara metro rail station was reopened on September 20 last. The adviser said they will not seek money from the government for the repair works as the cost of Tk 18.86 crore will be spent from the fund of the Mass Rapid Transit Company. Pointing at the previous Awami League government’s estimated repairing cost, Fouzul Kabir said it was said it would take Tk 350 crore and one year to reopen the two damaged stations. But now his government estimated that it would take only Tk 18.86 crore. “So, there are development lessons from here,” he added. Citing a development lesson, he said the World Bank has recently projected 4pc GDP growth for Bangladesh in the current fiscal year. The people are frustrated that the GDP growth rate is coming down to 4pc from more than 6pc. He said the growth rate is just some numbers. “The 6pc plus growth didn't reflect the real development as huge money was wasted and siphoned off the country in the name of big projects. But the money was not spent for actual development of the people.” Kazipara station reopens as Metro Rail starts running on Fridays “If we spent Tk 350 crore over one year, it would raise our growth, but it won't be any real development. So, now what growth would be achieved is real development. The people would really be benefited,” he went on. Noting that the government has withdrawn the condition of being former secretary to be the Managing Director of the Mass Rapid Transit Company, he said they sought applications to recruit a metro rail expert to the post.  He urged Bangladeshi experts living abroad to apply for the post as the recruitment process would be fair and freed from any sort of influence. No students were behind vandalism at two metro rail stations:  Replying to a question, the adviser said no students vandalised the two metro rail stations rather miscreants did it. “There are some CCTV footages of it.  None of the students did these, but other people who are miscreants did it.  We have given that CCTV footages to the Inspector General of Police. They (Police) are taking action,” he said. In reply to a question  if the interim government would revise the costs of other MRT projects, the Road Transport and Bridges adviser said Japanese are implementing the projects, but Japanese are very cautious against corruption as they will be accountable also to their own country in case of any corruption here. “That’s why we have now taken steps to recruit an experienced person to the Managing Director post to save costs. We have also sought Korean support alongside Japanese.  We’ve sought cooperation from the Korean EDCF (the Economic Development Cooperation Fund),” said the adviser. Senior Secretary of Road Transport and Highways Division Md. Ehsanul Hoque and Managing Director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Ltd Mohammad Abdur Rouf were present.

Mirpur-10 metro rail station is set to reopen on Tuesday after around three months. Mohammad Abdur Rouf, managing director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Ltd, shared this update during a press briefing on Monday. Kazipara station reopens as Metro Rail starts running on Fridays On July 19, unidentified people vandalised Mirpur-10 and Kazipara metro stations during the student-led quota reform movement, leading to suspension metro rail operation for more than a month. Although services resumed on August 25, both stations remained closed. From tomorrow, Metro Rail will also operate on Fridays Kazipara metro station reopened on September 20.

Dhaka metro rail operations are expected to resume from August 25, Road Transport and Highways Department senior secretary Ehsanul Haq  said on Tuesday (August 20, 2024). Ehsanul Haq visited the National Press Club metro rail station today and instructed the officials concerned to take necessary steps to resume the metro rail services. The striking metro rail workers returned to work today.  Read more: Metro Rail to resume operations within 7 days max: Adviser Fauzul The authorities suspended metro service since 18 July, citing damage due to arson and vandalism. The metro rail operations did not resume on Saturday as planned because officials were unable to finish the necessary technical tests. The two stations in Mirpur-10 intersection and Kazipara which were vandalized during the recent student movement will remain shut for necessary renovation work. Read more: Metro rail operations not resuming Saturday: DMTCL