DCC pledged to construct the underpass following massive protests by the Dhaka University students after a DU student was run over by a bus on May 8, 2006.

The authorities built speed breakers at four points at Shahbagh intersection a couple of days after the accident, but construction of the underpass has still remained a far cry.

"The development project pro forma of the underpass is now under examination at the Planning Commission. The project needs to be examined thoroughly as it involves huge money," said Syed Qudrat Ullah, superintendent engineer of Traffic Engineering Department of DCC.

"We will start the construction work after getting the approval," he said.

Qudrat Ullah however said the DCC is going to construct foot-over bridges at two points at Shahbagh intersection as an interim measure.

Construction of the bridges -- one between the National Museum and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and the other between Birdem Hospital and the Police Control Room will start within three to four months, he added.

Shahbagh is one of the busiest intersections in the capital. Hundreds of pedestrians use the intersection amid a huge traffic flow. Though DCC has constructed four speed-breakers at this point, risk of accidents remains due to reckless driving and violation of traffic signals.

DU Vice-chancellor Prof SMA Faiz told Star City: "We have sent two letters to DCC asking for the latest development of the project. In reply they told us that they are considering the project actively."

Anwar Hossain, a master's student of Mass Communication and Journalism Department at DU, said construction of an underpass or foot-over bridge at Shahbagh is a long-standing demand but the authorities do not pay any heed to the demand, ignoring the safety of pedestrians.

"Though one year has already passed after DCC had assured the DU students of constructing an underpass and a number of foot-over bridges at Shahbagh, we are yet to see any practical step," said Rifat Munim, a third-year student of English Department.

"It is a big risk to cross the dangerous points at Shahbagh intersection. We won't feel safe to cross the road there until the construction of foot-over bridges or underpasses is completed," said Murad Chowdhury, a businessman at Shahbagh intersection.