Summary:
- Dhaka Metro Rail staff threaten indefinite service suspension from 21 February unless employment policies are finalized by 20 February
- Over 300 permanent employees demand formalized job regulations, including benefits and career progression frameworks
- Potential shutdown risks paralyzing transport for 500,000+ daily commuters in one of Asia’s most traffic-congested cities
- Dispute emerges amid ongoing Phase 2 expansion plans to extend metro services to Motijheel by 2026
Permanent employees of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) have threatened to suspend metro rail operations starting Friday, 21 February, unless the company establishes a comprehensive employment policy by Thursday. The ultimatum, issued in a press release on Monday, 17 February, escalates tensions over longstanding demands for formalized job regulations.
Over 300 officers and staff hired through direct open recruitment claim their roles lack defined benefits, promotions, and grievance redressal systems despite years of service. Services will halt indefinitely if no policy is announced by 20 February, the statement warned, adding that DMTCL management would bear full responsibility for disruptions affecting Dhaka’s 500,000 daily metro commuters.
The dispute highlights growing friction between frontline workers and DMTCL leadership, which has yet to publicly address the demands. Metro rail, launched in December 2022 as Bangladesh’s first mass rapid transit system, has become a critical transport link, averaging 60,000 weekday passengers on its Uttara-Agargaon route. A shutdown would compound traffic chaos in a city ranked among Asia’s most congested.
DMTCL Managing Director MAN Siddique declined immediate comment, but transport analysts warn prolonged closures could undermine public trust. “Metro rail’s reliability is its biggest asset. Any service interruption risks pushing commuters back to roads,” said Urban Planner Adil Mohammed Khan.
The threatened strike coincides with ongoing Phase 2 construction extending the line to Motijheel. Employees argue formalizing their status is essential as operations expand. With negotiations stalled, passengers brace for potential travel upheaval ahead of the weekend.
