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๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฉ Bangladesh /Energy & Infrastructure

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From Daily Star · (7m ago) English Critical tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A newly built Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) station at Chandana Chowrasta in Gazipur poses significant safety risks due to the absence of essential features like lifts and adequate railings.
  • The station remains partially unusable, with empty lift shafts and unsafe staircases, particularly affecting elderly passengers, women, and children.
  • Despite awareness from local authorities, the slow pace of project completion and lack of safe access continue to cause concern and have led to protests.

The Daily Star's report from Gazipur paints a grim picture of the Chandana Chowrasta BRT station, a vital infrastructure project marred by critical safety deficiencies. Despite its intended purpose of easing congestion, the station is proving to be a hazard rather than a convenience. The glaring absence of passenger lifts and the inadequate safety measures on staircases and elevated sections expose commuters, especially vulnerable groups like the elderly, women, and children, to unnecessary risks.

The lift shafts are still empty, and the stairs are unsafe. Installing lifts and proper railings is urgently needed.

โ€” Emarat HossainA garment worker from Bason, describing the dangerous conditions at the BRT station.

On-site observations reveal a station that is functionally incomplete, with empty lift shafts serving as a stark reminder of the project's delays. Commuters are forced to navigate precarious staircases lacking proper railings, and parts of the elevated structure have insufficient barriers, increasing the likelihood of falls. This neglect of basic safety infrastructure is not only inconvenient but actively dangerous, as evidenced by near-accident experiences shared by locals and garment workers.

Women and elderly commuters are suffering the most.

โ€” Shafiul AlamPresident of the Bangladesh Garments and Industrial Workers Federationโ€™s Gazipur unit, highlighting the impact on vulnerable passengers.

While Gazipur City Corporation officials acknowledge the problems and promise inspections, the slow progress and lack of accountability are deeply frustrating for the public. The situation has understandably led to protests, with residents demanding safer infrastructure and faster completion. The Daily Star continues to highlight these critical safety concerns, urging immediate action from the Roads and Highways Department and relevant authorities to rectify the hazardous conditions at the Chandana Chowrasta BRT station.

Public safety is the priority.

โ€” Sohel HasanGazipur City Corporation Chief Executive Officer, acknowledging the safety issues and promising action.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Daily Star. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.