Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman has clarified the protocol for handling untoward incidents on the metro rail route from Uttara North station to Agargaon station in the capital.
Speaking after an inspection of MRT police security and metro rail facilities at Uttara North station, he said that both MRT police and the relevant local police stations would take effective action in case of any incidents.
Highlighting the distinctions between railway police and MRT police, the DMP commissioner explained that while the Railway Police operate their own police stations and investigate various incidents, MRT police are primarily focused on securing railway lines and metro rail stations.
Currently, 537 personnel, along with additional manpower as per the instructions of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), have been stationed for this purpose.
Led by MRT Police Chief DIG Jihadul Kabir, this specialized unit has undergone training to ensure comprehensive metro rail security, he added.
MRT Police said that they are fully prepared to provide security to passengers and the metro rail through policing. They are also considering foreign training to understand how police in developed countries handle security for innovative concepts like metro rail.
The MRT police also said that they have started security duties at the station on a trial basis. So far, a team of 11 people in each shift led by a police inspector is engaged in security of metro rail in three shifts at six stations including Agargaon, Shewrapara, and Kazipara.
This security arrangement is being tested on a trial basis, and the plan will be adjusted based on the experience gained. Once the metro rail service extends from Uttara North to Motijheel, overall security responsibility will transition to the police.
However, other specialized police units, including the DMP's crime unit, traffic unit, CTTC, SB, and ATU, will continue to collaborate in ensuring the safety and security of metro rail passengers.
