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Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) says it will provide security for the long-awaited metro rail in the capital till the authorities approve of Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Police.
Its Commissioner Khandaker Golam Faruq told a press briefing on Tuesday DMP had proposed forming a separate specialised unit for the overall security of metro rail.
“The proposal is awaiting approval. Until then, DMP will provide security,” he said, adding metro rail is very important considering public interest.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to inaugurate the MRT-6 project today.
During a presentation on metro rail at Ganabhaban in September 2019, the prime minister underscored the need for forming a separate police unit for metro rail security.
Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited under the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges submitted a proposal to the police headquarters in the same month for forming MRT Police.
The police headquarters then proposed a 1,039-post organogram for the unit while the home ministry approved 357 posts with a deputy inspector general of police as its chief. They sent the proposal to the public administration ministry. From there, it went to the finance ministry and finally to the Cabinet Division.
The DMP commissioner told journalists at Tuesday’s briefing strong security measures had been taken at the Diabari metro rail main depot ahead of the rapid transit system’s inauguration.
He said a new horizon was being opened for people to move from one place to another avoiding traffic jam in Dhaka.
The police official also said many VVIPs would attend Wednesday’s inauguration while the prime minister would participate in a public meeting there.
“For this reason, a comprehensive security system has been put in place to ensure their safety and smooth travel.”
The first phase of MRT-6 includes an 11.73km route from Uttara to Agargaon.
