Dhaka Metro Resumes Operations Amid Political Unrest

The Dhaka Metro has restarted services after a month-long suspension due to anti-government protests in Bangladesh. Most stations reopened, except Mirpur 10 and Kazipara. This resumption comes as a relief to commuters who faced daily traffic jams. Enhanced security and essential service status are being considered to prevent future disruptions.

The Dhaka Metro resumed services on Sunday, following a suspension of over a month due to unprecedented anti-government protests in Bangladesh.

An official notification indicated that two stations, Mirpur 10 and Kazipara, remain closed. Commuters, particularly students and office-goers, were relieved as they previously had to navigate Dhaka's notorious traffic congestion daily.

Mirpur-10 and Kazipara stations suffered vandalism in July during the protests, leading to the suspension of services in the third week of that month. Road Transport and Communication Adviser, Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, said enhanced security measures are being considered to protect the metro infrastructure from vandalism.

Khan mentioned the interim government's plans to designate metro rail operations as an essential service, ensuring uninterrupted functionality. He traveled from Agargon station to the Bangladesh Secretariat using the metro, underscoring its significance.

Launched on December 28, 2022, with Japanese assistance, Dhaka's first metro rail aimed to alleviate commuting woes in one of the world's most congested cities. Initially, the Dhaka MRT Line 6 operated a 11.73-km stretch from Uttara North to Agargaon. A new 9.53-km section from Agargaon to Motijheel was inaugurated in November 2023.

The anti-government protests reached their peak on August 5, culminating in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and subsequent departure to India, which protesters termed a ''day of victory.''

(With inputs from agencies.)