Dhaka Metro Rail authorities have introduced operational changes at the Motijheel terminal after allegations that some passengers were exploiting a system gap to secure seats during peak hours, drawing complaints from regular commuters.
According to officials of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), the new measures aim to prevent passengers from remaining seated on trains at Motijheel and travelling back on the same train toward Uttara -- a practice that had allowed some riders to begin the return journey already seated.
Many commuters travelling from intermediate stations such as Secretariat and Shahbagh say the tactic had become increasingly common, leaving fewer seats available during the busy northbound trips.
“I board from Secretariat most mornings. By the time the train arrives, many seats are already occupied,” said Tanvir Hossain, a private-sector employee.
“Later I found out some people actually go to Motijheel first and return on the same train just to secure a seat.”
Nusrat Jahan, a university student, said the practice highlights a fairness issue in the system.
“The metro fare depends on distance travelled, not how long someone stays inside the train,” she said. “Using a loophole to ensure a seat while others stand the whole journey doesn’t seem fair.”
In response, DMTCL says it has modified the train turnaround procedure at Motijheel and increased the number of trains on the line.
Md Nazrul Islam, head of operations at Dhaka Metro Rail, told Dhaka Tribune that previously trains arriving at Motijheel would depart again after switching platforms.
Under the revised system, passengers arriving at the terminal must disembark.
“If someone stays inside the train after it reaches Motijheel, they will not be able to travel on the same train again,” he said.
“Passengers will have to get down and change platforms to board another train.”
Authorities have also shortened the permitted time between check-in and check-out to discourage unnecessary loitering inside stations or platforms.
Nazrul Islam said passengers remaining within the system beyond the allowed time may face penalties.
Officials say the measures are intended to prevent misuse of the system while maintaining smooth passenger flow during rush hours.
The issue has also triggered a broader discussion among commuters about etiquette in public transport.
Some passengers argue that riding the full route to secure a seat is not against the rules as long as the fare is paid. Others believe the practice undermines equal access.
“Public transport depends not only on rules but also on civic sense,” said Rashedu l Islam, a bank official who regularly travels on the metro.
“If everyone starts riding the loop just to get a seat, the journey becomes harder for most passengers.”
Transport analysts note that similar behaviour is not uncommon in mass transit systems worldwide but can usually be controlled through operational rules at terminal stations.
Since its launch, the Dhaka Metro Rail has significantly reduced travel time for thousands of commuters and helped ease traffic congestion in the capital.
However, as passenger numbers continue to grow, authorities say maintaining discipline and fairness within the system is becoming an increasingly important challenge.
