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Published : 30 Oct 2025, 10:03 PM
A lift in the arts faculty of Dhaka University has malfunctioned, trapping several students inside, a day after another in the science faculty had broken down.
Students across academic buildings and residential halls have expressed fear over the sudden lift failures, with many avoiding elevators due to safety concerns.
Nasima Akter, a student trapped in the arts faculty lift on Thursday, told bdnews24.com: “I was coming down after class when the lift suddenly dropped. Fortunately, we were not harmed.”
Rafid Islam, a student of the science faculty, described lift problems as “an almost everyday issue”.
“Often the lifts stop while moving. It’s inconvenient and risky, so I avoid using them,” he said.
Students have also reported recurring lift failures in the university halls.
Abdullah Al Fahim, a resident of Bijoy Ekattor Hall, said: “The lifts are almost always out of order. One of our lifts often stops suddenly; this is nothing new. Now, it’s a matter of time before one actually falls.”
Altaf Hossain, a resident of Haji Mohammad Mohsin Hall, said: “Our lifts are frequently broken, and I haven’t seen students using them in the three years I’ve been here.”
Asadur Rahman, a student of the Faculty of Arts, criticised the administration for inaction, saying: “I have gone to the VC, proctor, and dean over the past four months requesting the replacement of the arts faculty lift.
“They haven’t changed anything and just keep it running after minor fixes. Perhaps they will act only after a serious accident.”
Hazrat Hania, a student of the Faculty of Social Sciences, said: “This Thursday morning, a lift in the arts building broke down. The right-side lift of the social sciences building has also been facing mechanical issues for a week.
“This problem is not limited to two faculties; the whole campus is affected. Last week, I visited the science faculty and found the same situation there.”
The student warned that the lack of proper management could lead to a “serious” accident.
Executive Engineer Ahsan Habib of the university’s electrical department said, “We repair any lift that breaks down. In the arts faculty incident, the lift got stuck due to a slight voltage drop, but we have fixed it and it is now fully operational.”
According to him, there had been no prior complaints, and lifts are fixed promptly whenever they malfunction, leaving no reason for alarm.
Building services expert Mohammad Hasmatuzzaman said the recurring lift failures and potential accidents are due to “mismanagement”.
“Lift failures can occur if proper measures are not taken,” he added. “If locking systems, cables, and internal electrical devices are not replaced in time, lifts may fall, putting lives at risk. There is a lack of adequate management at Dhaka University.”
He advised that lifts should be inspected at least once a week, or at minimum once a month, to ensure safety.
