Metrorail security shock: Two men climb onto train roof, entire service shut down
The capital witnessed a startling and unprecedented security breach on Sunday night as two unidentified individuals climbed onto the roof of a metrorail train, forcing authorities to suspend the entire service without notice.
The incident took place around 8:15 pm at the Bangladesh Secretariat Station, one of the busiest and most sensitive points on the metrorail route. Passengers were stunned as operations suddenly froze and trains came to a standstill across the network.
Within half an hour, at 8:45 pm, the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) issued an emergency announcement on its verified Facebook page:
The metrorail has been temporarily suspended due to “two people climbing onto the roof.”
Major questions, zero answers
Despite the gravity of the incident, DMTCL has not revealed:
How the two individuals bypassed the metrorail’s advanced security and surveillance systems.
Whether they boarded the train earlier or accessed the roof from the platform area.
The identities, motives, or current status of the two men.
How authorities removed them—or whether they are still on the roof.
When full service will resume.
This silence has sparked concern and speculation among commuters and security analysts. The metrorail — touted as one of Dhaka’s most secure public transport systems — features CCTV monitoring, platform screen doors, restricted zones, and constant security patrols.
Yet two men managed to reach the rooftop unnoticed—until the train had already started operating.
Passengers stranded, city disrupted
The sudden shutdown caused major delays as trains remained stuck at multiple stations. Passengers waiting for the night’s last trains were forced to scramble for alternative transport.
Commuters expressed shock on social media, questioning how such a breach could occur:
“Is the metrorail even safe?”
“Two men on the roof? How did security miss this?”
“This could’ve ended in a tragedy.”
A first-of-its-kind breach
Since its launch, the metrorail has maintained a strong reputation for efficiency and safety.
This rooftop intrusion – the first in the system’s history – has raised alarms at the highest levels, with experts calling for an immediate investigation into potential security flaws.
Awaiting clarity
As of now, authorities have not provided any timeline for restoring normal service.
The two unidentified individuals remain at the centre of a growing mystery, and Dhaka waits for answers.
If confirmed, the metrorail authority may face renewed pressure to tighten surveillance and prevent such alarming breaches in the future.
The city’s flagship transport system has long been viewed as a sign of modernization – but tonight’s incident shows just how vulnerable it can still be.