The interim government is taking steps to declare the metro an essential service to prevent vandalism, said Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, an adviser to the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges.

This morning (August 25), after the Metro resumed operations, Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan travelled from Agargaon to Secretariat station.

Speaking at a press conference at the Metro Rail Secretariat station, he said the government plans to classify the metro as a Key Point Installation (KPI) to improve its safety.

“We are working to upgrade the metro to a KPI to ensure it is not vandalised. Our initiative to declare it an essential service will enhance its protection and prevent disruptions to the service,” the consultant said.

When asked about measures against those responsible for recent attempted vandalism, he said: “The incidents were linked to a mass movement, so the first cases have been dropped. However, we all know that those who fought for the change of the country could not have done this. It was the work of criminals, and we have videos and images. We will take appropriate measures.”

The metro station was destroyed during the anti-quota movement, causing services to be suspended for 37 days.

“You know that this is a government with popular expectations. After I was appointed as an advisor, the honorable chief advisor told me that my first task would be to reopen the metro, and that is what we did. We had to reconstitute the board, hold meetings and address certain demands,” the advisor added.

The advisor also noted that the government had previously planned to restart the metro line on August 17, but that this could not happen due to internal problems.

“Some officials tried to hijack the service, which is not a good sign. We need to address these issues in a responsible manner,” the adviser said.

Commenting on the current situation, the adviser said: “It is now the season of demands across the country. Everyone wants their demands to be met. They want an end to discrimination, they want freedom from deprivation. After 16 years of neglect… it is only 16 days for this government, so give us at least 16 months. We will address all these issues gradually.”

On the demands and challenges faced by the government, Fouzul Kabir Khan noted, “Meeting all these demands has financial implications. If government revenues do not increase, where will the money come from? Printing more money will only lead to inflation and further hardships for the people.”

When asked about the launch of other metro lines, he replied: “We are in talks with the Japanese operators of the metro line. We are working to open other lines as soon as possible. Later today, the Japanese ambassador will meet with me to discuss how we can accelerate the opening of stations such as Kazi Para and Mirpur 10.”