Security lapse as two metro stations damaged

Sources said only four MRT policemen, including three constables, were inside the stations -- one at Mirpur 10 and another at Kazipara -- at the time of the attack.
The Mirpur 10 station faced a similar threat on Thursday afternoon as agitated people torched a footbridge located below the station's viaduct.
The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) on Friday night announced suspension of MRT operation for an indefinite period.
The metro rail launched operation in December 2022.
On Saturday, DMTCL managing director MAN Siddique told the journalists that it would not be possible to repair the damage, caused by the mob, in a year.
Although the DMTCL is unable to assess the loss, he said a committee would be formed to assess the loss and find ways to restore the service.
Deputy Inspector of Police of MRT, however, said, "Different forces were active within areas as we are passing through a crisis time now."
Another MRT police official said four MRT policemen were inside the station on the weekly holiday. Several hundred people rushed to the station by breaking the entrance door and shutters.
Since the launch of a quota-reform movement, the DMTCL sought extra protection from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police for all its stations.
Mr Siddique, however, refused to comment on the issue.
Official sources said the central control room initially noticed the agitated mob but lost visibility as they first damaged all the CCTVs.
They also damaged all ticket vending machines, passenger gates, signal rooms, fire doors, table and chairs.
Seeking anonymity, an official said most of these machines and equipment were imported on special orders.

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