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.
The staff of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) reported to stations but initially refrained from working on Monday.
While trains operated in the morning, no staff assisted passengers, allowing many to board without tickets, according to security personnel.
At around 8:45am, DMTCL Managing Director Faruk Ahmed arrived at Mirpur-10 metro station and spoke with the staff, assuring them that their demands would be addressed. Following this, the staff resumed work.
The incident took place 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) questioned them, accompanying police officers argued with the staff and went to the control room.
Shortly after, two members of the Armed Police Battalion (APBn) similarly used the swing gate. When the CRA asked them for an explanation, they also engaged in an argument, reportedly continuing the earlier dispute.
More police officers later arrived, leading to a heated altercation. At one point, a police officer 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 were injured in the altercation.
Following the incident, DMTCL staff put forward a six-point demand:
- Permanent dismissal of SI Masud, the main accused, within one working day, 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.
- Immediate dissolution of the MRT Police.
- Full security for all metro staff, including CRAs, TMOs, and station controllers.
- Strict enforcement of access control, allowing only those with official ID and authorization into the paid zone.
- Full medical coverage for injured employees, to be provided by the authorities.
