Metro rail services in Dhaka have returned to normal after employees of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) called off a strike that disrupted operations on Monday morning.
The protest was sparked by allegations of harassment by MRT police officers.
The work stoppage began following accusations that MRT police verbally and physically assaulted several metro staff members.
According to a DMTCL employee, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the incident occurred when MRT police intercepted colleagues for not using passes and allegedly assaulted them.
Despite the protest, metro trains remained in operation, though employees refrained from their duties. This allowed some passengers to travel without purchasing tickets.
Abul Kashem, an official at MTB Mutual Trust Bank Brokerage House in Uttara, told Banglanews, "I came to Sheorapara Metrorail Station to go to the office like every day. When I arrived, I saw that no card could be punched. However, the metro was running. I came to the office without punching the card," he said.
Nargis Begum, who works in a private organization, left for Motijheel at 8 am. She told Banglanews, "I left for the office in the morning and reached the Metrorail Station. Since the counter service was closed, I traveled by metro without buying a ticket."
Before ending the strike, employees, under the banner of “All Officers and Employees of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited,” issued a statement detailing their grievances and demands.
They demanded the permanent dismissal of sub-inspector Masud, who was accused of assault, along with disciplinary action and a public apology from all implicated officers, including Constable Rejanul and Inspector Ranjit.
Employees also demanded the creation of a dedicated armed security force for metro operations, the immediate dissolution of MRT police, enhanced security measures for all on-duty employees, restrictions on unauthorized entry into station paid zones, and comprehensive medical coverage for the injured staff member.
BDST: 1208 HRS, MAR 17, 2025
SMS
