Metro rail staff resume duty after staging protest against assault by MRT police

Metro Rail Staff Resume Duty After Protesting Assault by MRT Police

• Metro rail staff, who went on strike demanding justice after four colleagues were verbally and physically assaulted by MRT Police, have returned to work following assurances from the managing director.
• Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) staff reported to stations on Monday but initially refrained from working. While trains operated in the morning, the absence of staff assistance allowed many passengers to board without tickets, as per security personnel.
• At around 8:45 AM, DMTCL Managing Director Faruk Ahmed met with the staff at Mirpur-10 metro station, assuring them that their demands would be addressed. Following this discussion, the staff resumed work.
• The altercation occurred on Sunday at Secretariat metro station when two women in civilian attire attempted to exit the paid zone through a swing gate after traveling without tickets.
• When an on-duty Customer Relations Assistant (CRA) intervened, accompanying police officers confronted the staff and later went to the control room. Shortly after, two Armed Police Battalion (APBn) members also bypassed the gate without tickets, leading to another dispute.
• The situation escalated when more police officers arrived. One officer reportedly struck a metro staffer on the shoulder with a rifle, while another was dragged, beaten, and threatened at gunpoint.
• The injured staffer was rescued by colleagues and passengers. Both sides later claimed they sustained injuries in the altercation.
• Following the incident, DMTCL staff issued a six-point demand, including:
  • Immediate dismissal of SI Masud, the main accused, along with punishment for Constable Rejanul and Inspector Ranjit, and a public apology.
  • Formation of an armed security force dedicated to ensuring metro staff and passenger safety.
  • Dissolution of the MRT Police.
  • Full security for all metro staff, including CRAs, TMOs, and station controllers.
  • Strict enforcement of access control, allowing only authorized personnel in the paid zone.
  • Full medical coverage for injured employees, provided by the authorities.