The metro rail service has been suspended for several weeks due to a strike by metro rail workers, though it is now ready to operate fully with repaired lines, coaches, and signal systems. These workers claim that senior officials enjoy significantly more benefits than those at the lower levels.
As a result, the metro rail remains closed, despite there being no technical issues, according to sources at the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), the state-run entity managing the metro service.
The timeline for resuming operations is uncertain, as the striking workers are determined to continue their protest until their demands are formally addressed. According to DMTCL, the company’s senior officials—numbering around 50—are primarily recruited from the administrative service, with some hired on a contractual basis following their retirement from various engineering departments.
Among these officials is DMTCL Managing Director (MD) MAN Siddique, who served as the secretary of the road transport and bridges ministry from 2011 until his retirement in 2017. He then joined DMTCL as MD on 26 October 2017 and has held the position since.
In contrast, the lower-level workers, who were permanently recruited under the 10th to 20th grade, are responsible for operating the metro rail, selling tickets, and performing routine maintenance. Over 700 of these workers have been on strike since 8 August, presenting a six-point demand aimed at eliminating the disparity between officials.
It has been revealed that the senior contractual and outsourced officers receive 2.3 times their basic salary, while the permanent lower-level workers receive double their basic salary. Furthermore, the lower-level workers have yet to be included in the contributory provident fund (CPF) scheme.
Speaking anonymously, an employee informed Prothom Alo that they have been voicing their concerns since their initial appointment, only to receive repeated verbal assurances. This time, they refuse to rely on verbal promises and are determined to continue their strike until an official decision is made.
During the recent quota reform protests, the Mirpur-10 and Kazipara stations were vandalized.
Following the change in government, the interim administration, in an advisory council meeting on 11 August, decided that metro rail operations would resume on 17 August. The train was scheduled to run from Uttara to Motijheel, excluding the Kazipara and Mirpur-10 stations until renovations were completed.
However, a press release issued by DMTCL Secretary Mohammad Abdur Rauf on Thursday indicated that the metro rail service could not resume on Saturday, 17 August, as the necessary technical tests could not be completed due to unavoidable reasons.
When contacted, DMTCL sources clarified that the actual cause of the delay was the ongoing strike by lower-level employees. Despite multiple negotiations and assurances that their demands would be met, the workers insisted on an official decision, which requires approval from the board of directors—some of whom are currently unavailable.
DMTCL is governed by a 10-member board, chaired by the ex-officio secretary of the road transport and highways division. On 14 August, the government terminated the contract of Secretary Amin Ullah Noori, while board member Nilufar Ahmed (a political appointee) is currently missing. The remaining board members are officials from various ministries.
Given the situation, it is challenging to officially approve the workers’ demands until the board is reconstituted.
DMTCL MD MAN Siddique said, they have assured the workers that their reasonable demands would be met, but the workers are insisting on an official decision approved by the board. He plans to discuss the matter with Road Transport Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan on Sunday and is hopeful of finding a resolution.
A senior DMTCL official, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged that the workers’ demands are reasonable but noted that the management appears more focused on their own interests. The workers have become increasingly resolute in their demands, particularly in light of the recent change in government.
