Dhaka's metro system has become synonymous with efficiency, transforming hours of travel into mere minutes. However, this convenience comes with a set of stringent rules imposed by authorities, failure to comply with which may result in a ban or fines for passengers.
Police and Ansar members are constantly keeping an eye so that passengers cannot board the train with prohibited items. However, passengers complain that the surveillance is arbitrary.
A passenger, who wishes not to be named, has been travelling from Mirpur to Agargaon every day since the metro rail was launched.
He said: "I travel by metro rail almost every day. We try to follow every instruction at metro stations, but many don't. Although checking is done by a machine, there is doubt as to how much is appropriate."
He also mentioned: "I have three cats in my house, and I am seeking permission from the metro rail authority to bring the cats to Agargaon. But they didn't allow it. However, that day I saw a girl posting a video of her cat on the metro rail. It read 'My cat's first metro rail trip.'"
Each metro rail platform has a security arch. Through this, passengers are checked for any prohibited items. Besides, CCTV footage is constantly monitored and each station has instructions on what can and cannot be carried and what to do.
Passengers can contact the station controller if necessary.
What items are prohibited:
Pets cannot be carried.
Dangerous goods are not allowed.
Begging has been banned on metro rail.
It is prohibited to ferry any kind of goods.
Carrying firearms, pets, transporting dangerous goods, as well as transporting heavy and bulky goods are prohibited.
Carrying smelly goods, including raw vegetables and fish, is not allowed.
Even taking food on platforms and trains is prohibited.
