“No posters or banners, writing, or painting is allowed in metro train and station areas,” reads the notices posted outside every metro station by the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) authorities.
Yet, this regulation is widely ignored. Metro station pillars, lift shafts, steel perforated walls along staircases, and walls of underground electrical substations are now completely covered with posters.
From political party posters to job circulars, lost-and-found notices, advertisements for house and office rentals, coaching centers, condolence messages, Eid greetings, religious event invitations, rally announcements, matrimonial ads, circumcision service promotions, movie posters, and commercial advertisements—there seems to be no type of poster left unpasted.
Residents say this has not only ruined the aesthetic appeal of the metro station pillars but has also left ugly structures scattered across the city.
The problem extends beyond posters. Floating shops around metro stations are also obstructing pedestrian and passenger movement while further degrading the environment.
Untidy stations draw complaints
The metro rail remains one of the fastest ways to travel across Dhaka and is highly favored by commuters. Since its inauguration, station concourses, platforms, and train interiors have generally been well maintained.
However, after August 5, 2024, following the fall of the Awami League government and the installation of the interim government led by Dr Muhammad Yunus, the environment outside stations started to deteriorate.
Graffiti and wall writings painted during the interim government’s tenure have now been overlaid with countless posters, further degrading the visual appeal.
Commuter Naeem Hossain told Dhaka Tribune: “There were posters before, but very few. After August 5, there has been no control, and the situation has worsened day by day.”
Another passenger, Mahfuzur Rahman, said: “I’m proud of the country’s first metro. Its service is unmatched. But the outside of the stations is now extremely untidy. Posters have covered pillars at an alarming rate. The authorities should monitor this and take legal action against those posting them.”
Regular metro commuter Maisha Haque said: “The surrounding environment is dirty because of small shops like tea stalls and street food vendors. Stairs are crowded with both shopkeepers and customers, making movement difficult.”
Authorities pass responsibility
Despite repeated violations and the growing unsightliness, metro authorities have largely avoided responsibility. Officials have repeatedly directed questions to different departments, with none accepting accountability.
According to AKM Khairul Alam, director (administration) of DMTCL, operational staff cannot comment on poster regulations.
Director of Operations and Maintenance, Md Nazrul Islam, also said that the administration handles these matters, including leases, municipal coordination, and supervision.
A dedicated “lease committee” under the Director of Administration oversees where posters can be legally placed. The committee also coordinates with the magistrate and relevant government agencies, he said.
Legal framework
The Graffiti Writing and Poster Sticking Control Act, 2012, allows local authorities to designate specific locations for wall writings or posters through administrative orders.
Outside these designated areas, posters may not be installed except under approved conditions and fees.
The law states that unauthorized installation of posters constitutes an offense, punishable by fines or imprisonment.
