Bangladesh stepped into a new era of commuting as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated Dhaka Metro Rail on Wednesday morning.
The government passed the Metro Rail Act, 2015 on January 26, 2015, to provide fast and improved mass transport in Dhaka.
There is a provision for 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of Tk10 crore as the maximum punishment for violating the law. There is also a provision for compensation in case of accidents.
Let us review the Metro Rail Act as the country enters the era of electric trains.
Construction, development or operation of metro rail without licence
Section 30 of the act states that it shall be considered an offence for any person to construct, develop or operate metro rail or provide metro rail services or install or replace any machinery without a licence. If convicted, he/she will be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years or with a fine not exceeding Tk1 crore or both.
Obstructing access
If any person unlawfully obstructs a person, representative or employee licensed or authorized to construct, operate and maintain the metro rail from entering the land and facilities adjacent to the metro rail area, he/she shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to a fine not exceeding Tk2 lakh or both.
Unauthorized trespassing on metro rail reserved space
If any person enters a reserved place of metro rail without permission or remains there after entering the place despite requests from the person in charge of metro rail or his/her subordinate, he/she shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or with a fine not exceeding Tk5 lakh or both.
Compromising safety
If any person disturbs or threatens to disturb the safety of metro rail, he/she shall be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or with a fine not exceeding Tk50 lakh or both.
Unauthorized sale or counterfeiting of metro rail tickets or passes
Any person who illegally sells metro rail tickets or passes, or defaces or counterfeits tickets or passes, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years or with a fine not exceeding Tk1 crore or both.
Misuse of metro rail or its machinery by employees
If any employee uses the metro rail and its machinery in such a way as to endanger or threaten to endanger the safety of any passenger and does any act not authorized by the licensed person or institution, he/she shall be liable to imprisonment for one year or to a fine not exceeding Tk5 lakh or both.
Obstructing inspector from performing his duties or providing false and misleading info
If any person obstructs inspectors from performing their duties or gives false or misleading information, he/she shall be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or with a fine not exceeding Tk10 lakh or both.
No insurance
If a licensee fails to insure metro rail and its passengers as well as third parties, he/she shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years or to a fine not exceeding Tk10 crore or both.
Travelling without ticket or valid pass
Any person who travels on metro rail without a ticket or valid pass or adopts any other tactic for the purpose of evading fares shall be liable to a fine which may extend to 10 times the fare or to imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months.
Aiding, abetting and conspiracy to commit crime
If a person aids or abets the commission of an offence under this act and it is proved, the aider or abettor shall be punished as prescribed.
Punishment for repeated offence
If any person convicted commits the same offence again after serving a sentence, he/she shall be liable to double the maximum penalty for that offence.
Criminal prosecution
No court shall conduct any case under this act without a written report of the authority or any officer or inspector empowered by the authorities.
Compensation
In case of loss of any person or property and property other than metro rail and passengers due to an accident, the licensee shall arrange for compensation from the concerned company within 10 days of raising the claim to the owner for the person's property or property.