PHOTO: STAR

MONJURUL HAQUE, Gazipur

At Chandana Chowrasta in Gazipur, one of the country’s busiest intersections, a newly built Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) station is raising serious safety concerns due to the absence of lifts and inadequate safe access.

Despite being designed to ease congestion and improve commuter experience, the multi-tier station remains partially unusable, with key safety features yet to be installed, according to on-site observations.

The two passenger lifts are still not in place, leaving upper levels largely inaccessible. Commuters -- particularly the elderly, women and children -- are forced to use staircases that lack proper railings.

Parts of the elevated structure also have inadequate barriers, increasing the risk of falls.

Locals said buses frequently stop at unauthorised points near the station, disrupting movement and adding to safety risks.

In some cases, people are seen gathering on elevated sections of the station to view the surroundings due to inadequate monitoring, raising further concerns.

Emarat Hossain, a garment worker from Bason, said he narrowly avoided an accident while travelling with his children.

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

A police officer, requesting anonymity, said he nearly fell while on duty during Eid operations due to the absence of railings.

Shafiul Alam, president of the Bangladesh Garments and Industrial Workers Federation’s Gazipur unit, said workers are facing significant difficulties due to the lack of safe access.

“Women and elderly commuters are suffering the most,” he said, calling for immediate installation of lifts and improved passenger management.

Frustration over the delayed BRT project has also triggered protests.

On April 13, hundreds of students and residents staged a human chain and blocked roads at Board Bazar, demanding safer infrastructure and faster progress.

Faruq Hossain Khan, a local political leader, said the slow pace of the project and lack of safe crossings have contributed to frequent accidents in the area.

Gazipur City Corporation Chief Executive Officer Sohel Hasan said the authorities are aware of the problem and will take steps to address safety risks.

“We will inform the Roads and Highways Department and also take measures from our side if needed. Public safety is the priority,” he said, adding that officials will inspect the site soon.

Attempts to contact Rezaul Karim, project director in charge of the Gazipur section of the BRT project, by phone were unsuccessful as he did not receive the calls.