Dhaka, August 14 — A powerful image of the Mirpur 10 overbridge engulfed in flames with the Metrorail passing through a cloud of black smoke recently went viral on social media, capturing the intensity of the student protests that led to the fall of the government a week ago. Although life in the capital has gradually returned to normal, the scars left by the unrest are still visible.

The overbridge at Mirpur 10, once a bustling thoroughfare, now stands as a skeletal reminder of the chaos. The police box near the overbridge was also torched, leaving it in ruins. The bridge itself, which was roofed with tin made of plastic, burned quickly, turning the sky dark with thick smoke. Eyewitnesses claim that the fire began after police used tear gas on protesters, who then set fire to the area.

Despite the severe damage, authorities have begun efforts to clean up and restore the site. The Metrorail, a vital link for commuters, was largely unaffected by the fire, with no significant damage to the railway tracks, coaches, or the signal and communication systems.

Professor Dr. Hadiuzzaman from the Civil Department of BUET explained that the remote control operations of the Metrorail from the northern depot ensured that the train movement could continue without interruption. He estimated that the total cost of repairs, including replacing computers and machines at the vandalized stations, would not exceed 50 crore rupees. He added that it might take two to two and a half months to fully restore the damaged parts, with replacements being sourced from Japan.

The Managing Director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), MAN Chiddik, confirmed that a committee has been formed to assess the damage, but the full report is still pending due to office closures.

The closure of the Metrorail has led to significant disruption in public transport, particularly on the Mirpur-Gulistan route, where travel times have increased substantially. Residents and commuters have expressed frustration, with some noting that the Metrorail had provided much-needed relief from traffic congestion.

In a bid to alleviate the suffering of city dwellers, it has been announced that Metrorail services will resume from next Saturday, bringing hope to the thousands who rely on it for their daily commute.