In observance of Pahela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year, authorities have announced temporary service adjustments on the Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit system, with two key stations set to remain closed for varying durations on the day of celebration.
According to a notice issued on Monday (13 April) by the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), special operational measures will be in place on Tuesday (14 April) to facilitate crowd management and ensure public safety during the large-scale festivities traditionally associated with the occasion.
The statement, signed by Deputy Project Director (Public Relations) Md Ahsan Ullah Sharifee, confirmed that Shahbagh Metro Station will remain closed until 12:00 noon on the day, while Dhaka University Metro Station will be closed for the entire day. The authority expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and requested passengers’ understanding as the adjustments are made in the interest of safety and operational control.
Pahela Baishakh is one of the most widely celebrated cultural events in Bangladesh, drawing large crowds to central Dhaka, particularly around the university area, Shahbagh, and nearby cultural hubs. As a result, metro authorities frequently introduce temporary restrictions in high-density zones to prevent overcrowding and ensure smooth coordination with law enforcement agencies.
Officials indicated that the decision was taken in coordination with security agencies and event organisers to manage expected surges in passenger flow and pedestrian movement in the surrounding areas.
Station Service Adjustment Overview
| Metro Station |
Service Status on 14 April (Tuesday) |
Duration of Closure |
| Shahbagh |
Temporarily closed |
Until 12:00 noon |
| Dhaka University |
Fully closed for the day |
Entire day |
Passengers have been advised to plan their journeys in advance and use nearby operational stations where possible. Commuters heading towards central Dhaka during the morning hours may experience diversions and increased travel time due to security arrangements and crowd-control measures in surrounding areas.
Transport authorities also reiterated that normal metro operations are expected to resume as scheduled following the temporary restrictions, once conditions in the affected areas are deemed safe and manageable.
The DMTCL has urged commuters to remain patient and cooperate with officials on duty, noting that such measures are routine during major national and cultural events that attract exceptionally high public participation in the capital.
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