National
PM Sheikh Hasina opens metro rail’s Agargaon-Motijheel section
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the second phase of the long-awaited metro rail service in the capital, connecting Uttara with Motijheel. During the inauguration ceremony, she waved the green flag at Agargaon station, symbolizing the commencement of metro train operations towards Motijheel. The premier expressed her satisfaction with the initiative, emphasizing its role in providing convenient transportation, saving time, reducing traffic congestion, and stimulating economic growth.
Sheikh Hasina mentioned that the government’s goal is to expand the metro rail network to Kamalapur Railway Station, further enhancing the public transportation infrastructure. She extended her gratitude to Japan, JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), development partners, the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, and all the individuals involved in the metro rail project.
The metro train, carrying the Prime Minister, arrived at Motijheel station, marking the successful completion of this phase. Additionally, she inaugurated the construction work of MRT Line-5 (Northern route), a 20-km line from Hemayetpur to Bhatara via Gabtoli, Mirpur-10, and Gulshan, with a project deadline of 2028.
This initiative is part of a broader plan to establish a 140km metro rail network in Dhaka and its adjacent areas, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion and pollution. The physical construction work of MRT Line-1, the first underground metro rail in the country, began earlier this year. The extended route from Agargaon to Motijheel will be open to the public starting at 7:30 am on November 5, nearly a year after the initial launch of the metro service between Uttara and Agargaon.
Commuters will have the opportunity to travel from Uttara to Motijheel, with trains operating every 10 minutes from 7:30 am to 11:30 am on the Agargaon-Motijheel route and from 7:30 am to 8:30 pm on the Uttara-Agargaon route. The metro rail authorities have opened three of the seven stations in this section, with the remaining four stations expected to open in the next three months.
The Agargaon to Motijheel section covers a distance of 8.72 km, with an additional 1.16 km extension to Kamalapur, slated for completion by June 2024. The journey from Uttara to Motijheel, including all 16 stations, will take approximately 38 minutes once the full route is operational.
Currently, around 90,000 people use the metro rail daily, and this number is expected to reach 500,000 when the route from Uttara to Motijheel becomes fully functional. The government is implementing the fast-track project to construct a 21.26km elevated metro line from Uttara to Kamalapur at a cost of Taka 33,472 crore. Each train can carry 2,300 passengers and is capable of running at speeds of 100 to 110 km/h.
Since assuming power in 2009, the Awami League government has been actively working on initiatives to ease traffic congestion in the capital, including the construction of a metro rail network. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has played a pivotal role in funding and constructing the metro rail project, providing a soft loan of Taka 19,500 crore.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the newly constructed Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) Bhaban and Senaprangan (Army Central Auditorium) Bhaban in Dhaka Cantonment today, unveiling their name plaques and cutting ribbons to enter AFIP Bhaban. During her visit, she toured different facilities within AFIP Bhaban, where AFIP Commandant Major General Dr Nishat Jubaida briefed her on its main features and facilities.
The project, “Extension and Modernization of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP),” approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in 2019, aimed to meet the increasing demand for pathology services. Remarkably, the project was completed ahead of schedule, by December 2024.
The 14-storey AFIP Bhaban boasts a modern laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including next-generation sequencing, automated microbial identification systems, transmission electron microscopes, and multi-headed microscopes, ensuring international standard services.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Prof Dr Samanta Lal Sen, Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, and other dignitaries graced the occasion.
Following the inauguration of Senaprangan Bhaban, the prime minister also cut a ribbon to enter the new facility. Senaprangan serves as the army’s central auditorium for hosting various national and international-level events such as meetings, seminars, and social gatherings, with Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed and high-level army officers in attendance.
Rain or thundershowers are likely in various parts of the country as the day temperature may further decrease amidst a severe heat wave in Pabna, Jashore, Chuadanga, and Bagerhat districts, according to a meteorological release today.
The release predicts rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty/squally winds in a few places across the Sylhet division and at one or two places in Rangpur, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions, with hails possible at isolated locations within the next 24 hours starting from 9 am today.
Mild to moderate heat waves are sweeping over Dhaka, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Barishal divisions, as well as the remaining parts of Khulna division, and the districts of Moulvibazar and Chandpur, as per the release.
The weather is expected to remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy skies elsewhere across the country.
Day and night temperatures are likely to remain nearly unchanged nationwide.
The sun sets at 6:29 pm today and rises at 5:21 am tomorrow in the capital.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged mill and factory owners to prioritize the welfare of laborers by reducing their luxuries. Addressing a discussion at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, she emphasized that laborers enable owners to lead lavish lives through their hard work.
She cautioned laborers against actions that could harm the factories providing them with employment opportunities. Sheikh Hasina noted that some individuals incite workers to protest unnecessarily, which ultimately damages both the workers’ interests and the country’s economy.
Highlighting the symbiotic relationship between owners and laborers, she stressed the need for increased industrial production for Bangladesh’s overall development. Sheikh Hasina encouraged both parties to approach her directly to resolve any issues, emphasizing her commitment to addressing their concerns.
She distributed financial assistance to labor families and attended a cultural program, accompanied by various dignitaries including State Minister for Labour and Employment, Md Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, and representatives from international organizations.
Sheikh Hasina proudly described her government as pro-labor, citing initiatives such as wage increases, workplace safety measures, childcare facilities, and maternity leave provisions. She highlighted the steady increase in workers’ salaries under her government’s tenure, affirming her party’s dedication to labor welfare.
Asserting Bangladesh’s commitment to international labor standards, she warned against any exploitation of workers and pledged to hold accountable those responsible for withholding fair wages.
The Prime Minister also outlined government efforts to boost education and employment opportunities, including free textbooks and vocational training programs. She mentioned the Karmasangsthan Bank, established to provide loans to youth entrepreneurs without collateral.
In summary, Sheikh Hasina’s government prioritizes labor welfare, fosters a conducive environment for economic growth, and remains vigilant against any exploitation of workers.
