Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) Managing Director Faruque Ahmed has said on Monday that the fatal collapse of a bearing pad on Dhaka Metro Rail Line-1, which killed pedestrian Abul Kalam Azad, may have been caused by design flaws and lapses by contractors and consultants.

Speaking at a press briefing held in Uttara, Faruque highlighted concerns over structural integrity and oversight.

The incident occurred near Farmgate Metro Station when a metal bearing support detached from an elevated section and struck Azad. Ahmed suggested multiple possible causes, including substandard materials or inadequate technical understanding during construction. A formal investigation is underway.

“The responsibility for verifying construction quality lies with the consulting firms,” he added. “Deficiencies may have arisen due to lack of expertise or insufficient supervision.”

Ahmed also revealed that the Line-1 project has been operating without a dedicated project director and said four to five new directors will soon be appointed to strengthen the technical team. He noted structural limitations in decision-making authority and challenges with investor conflicts, despite a 50-year warranty framework.

The MD appealed to the public and political organizations to stop pasting posters on metro pillars, warning that such coverings can conceal cracks or corrosion and hinder inspections.

DMTCL has provided Tk 5 lakh as emergency assistance to Azad’s family. Long-term support measures are also underway, including employment arrangements for his wife, who is completing her honours degree.

A high-level technical committee has been formed to investigate the failure, and its findings will guide corrective actions across the metro network.

“Whoever approved or certified defective work will be held accountable if irregularities are found,” Ahmed said, emphasizing DMTCL’s commitment to transparency, safety, and building a world-class metro system for Dhaka.