Ensuring safe train travel

Trains are considered economical and safe transportation across the globe. But frequent accidents, snatching and stone-pelting at trains have made train travel unsafe and dangerous in Bangladesh. The latest incident occurred recently when the Karnaphuli Commuter train, departing from Chattogram, was targeted by snatchers around 10:00pm on Thursday at Tongi Railway Junction in Gazipur. The attackers threw stones at the train as it stopped near the junction's outer signal. This sudden assault with stones caused panic among the passengers on board. They were alarmed by missiles coming through the windows. To protect themselves from the stones, some passengers laid on the train floor. A train ticket collector was assaulted and stabbed during the incident. And the attackers snatched mobile phones from several passengers.

This is not the first incident of hurling stones and robbery on trains. Surprisingly, despite the repeated occurrence of such kind of robbery, there is no adequate response actions from the railways authorities to stop it. If passengers do not feel secure while using this public transport, where can they find safety? Throwing stones at a moving train is a serious crime. As stated in Section 127 of the Railway Act, the highest punishment is life imprisonment accompanied by a fine of Tk 10,000. Passenger safety leaves no room for excuses. Security must be strengthened in locations where incidents of robbery and stone pelting are frequent. If needed, areas infested with such criminals should be monitored with CCTV cameras.

Badsha Faysal,

Jurain, Dhaka,

badshafaysal1998@gmail.com