Dhaka: Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Dr Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan stated that overseas technical tests are necessary to determine the cause of a metro rail accident in October that resulted in the death of a pedestrian in the capital. Pedestrian Abul Kalam Azad, 35, was killed when a bearing pad from a metro rail station fell on him in Dhaka's Farmgate area on October 26.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr Khan mentioned that initial investigations suggested issues with the hardness, compression set, and the neoprene material of the deviated bearing pad. However, further tests in international laboratories are required to confirm these findings. He also emphasized the need for a 'third party safety audit' to reassess the overall project design of the Metrorail system.
The adviser indicated that the Metrorail authority would propose punitive measures against those deemed responsible for the incident. Following the tragic event, the government established an investigation committee led by bridges division secretary Mohammad Abdur Rouf. This committee, comprising engineers and related experts, was later joined by police detectives to explore potential criminal links alongside technical faults.
Dr Khan reported that the committee conducted a site visit, interviewed witnesses, train drivers, operators, officials, and questioned representatives from the bearing pad manufacturing company, contractors, and design consultants. The committee thoroughly reviewed design documents, inspected various parts of the Metrorail structure, and performed significant laboratory tests.
He added that the committee provided several technical recommendations aimed at preventing similar accidents in the future.