Dhaka, Jan. 1 -- The metro rail accident that killed a pedestrian on October 26 was caused by a faulty design and the use of substandard bearing pads, Road Transport and Bridges Ministry Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan said on Thursday.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Secretariat after receiving the probe committee's report, the adviser said the investigation found no evidence of sabotage.

He said preliminary findings showed that the hardness, compression set and neoprene content of the displaced bearing pad did not meet standard specifications, although further testing at overseas laboratories is required for confirmation.

The bearing pad was also installed at a slight slope of 0.8 percent, which may have contributed to its displacement...