Dhaka Metro Resumes Service After Protests

Dhaka’s metro railway service has resumed operation after a hiatus of over a month, caused by intense student-led protests that led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The metro’s return is a significant milestone for Dhaka, one of the world’s most densely populated cities, with around 20 million residents.

The elevated train network had been closed in mid-July due to the protests, which saw widespread violence and vandalism. The unrest, which led to hundreds of fatalities and eventually forced Hasina to resign and flee the country on August 5, severely impacted public transport infrastructure. Metro stations were vandalized, causing major disruptions.

Shaheen Sultana, a banker, expressed relief at the metro’s reopening, describing her commute as “relaxed” compared to the weeks of traffic congestion she endured. “I am very happy that it is working again,” said Sultana, as she exited a station in the city’s commercial district.

The new caretaker government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, ordered the metro’s reopening. The resumption of services marks a step towards normalcy in daily life for Dhaka’s residents. Kaosar Khan, a speech therapist, noted that the metro significantly reduces his commute time, highlighting the critical role the metro plays in easing transportation woes.

The metro, inaugurated in December 2022, was considered one of the significant achievements of Hasina’s tenure, despite widespread criticism of her administration. The attacks on the metro during the protests were seen by some as a deliberate move to intimidate dissenters. Mohammad Hridoy, a technology worker, criticized the shutdown, suggesting it was more of a punitive measure than a practical response.

Local researchers estimate that Dhaka’s economy loses over $3 billion annually due to traffic congestion, exacerbated by protests and heavy rains. The reopening of the metro is a crucial development in restoring normalcy and mitigating the impact of traffic-related economic losses.

Sharmin Sultana, a housewife traveling with her daughter, condemned the vandalism, stating, “Why hurt the nation and destroy public property? We should protect our national property, irrespective of party politics.”

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