In a significant development following the recent civil unrest, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited the extensively damaged Mirpur 10 Metro Rail Station early Thursday morning. The station, along with the nearby Kazipara station, was rendered inoperative due to violent acts during the student-led quota reform protests on Friday, July 19.
The Prime Minister’s visit underscored the government’s commitment to swiftly restoring the critical infrastructure devastated in the attacks, which are believed to require at least a year for full repairs and restoration. “This kind of destruction to a national asset suggests a conspiracy to destabilize the nation,” stated M.A.N. Siddique, Managing Director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), who was also present during the inspection.
Eyewitnesses reported that around 300 protesters had forcefully entered the station last Friday, damaging facilities and looting essential equipment, which has led to significant operational setbacks. “Everything they could lay their hands on was destroyed. It’s evident that there wasn’t the slightest regard for public property,” said Siddique. The damage assessment and recovery plan are now being expedited with the formation of a technical committee, which will report on the full extent of the damages within ten working days.
In her address at the site, Prime Minister Hasina called upon the citizens to stand against those responsible for the destruction. “It’s the people who must counter these destructive elements. Those behind this mayhem will be held accountable by the people of Bangladesh,” she stated. Hasina also emphasized the importance of community and national solidarity in preventing such incidents in the future.
The government has pledged to ensure that commuters can return to their daily routines without disruption and that the city’s transport infrastructure, crucial for economic and social activities, is rapidly restored. The Mirpur 10 station, along with other affected infrastructure, represents significant public investment intended to ease Dhaka’s notorious traffic congestion.
As the city begins to heal from these events, the Prime Minister’s visit is a poignant reminder of the challenges ahead in safeguarding public assets against such acts of vandalism. The government remains resolute in its efforts to not only repair but also to enhance security measures at key transport hubs to prevent future incidents.