The High Court has directed the Bangladesh Railway Authorities to stop passengers from travelling on the roof of trains.
The court also issued a warning that it would take tough action against the responsible railway officials if any unusual happening occurs for not stopping passengers' travelling on train roofs.
The High Court also wanted to know what steps have been taken to stop black marketing and mismanagement of train tickets.
The railway authorities have been asked to respond to the queries by July 31 this year.
The High Court bench of Justice Md Nazrul Islam Talukder and Justice Khizir Hayat passed the order on Thursday on a Suo Moto (voluntary) move after they knew about the protest of Dhaka University student Mohiuddin Rony demanding an end to irregularities and mismanagement in the services of Bangladesh Railway (BR).
BR Joint Director General (Operations) AM Saleh Uddin, Director (Traffic) Nahid Hasan Khan and online ticket platform Shohoz.com's Vice-President Jubaer Hossain were also present in the court at that time.
Deputy Attorney General AKM Amin Uddin Manik appeared in the court hearing on behalf of the state while Advocate Khurshid Alam Khan appeared for the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which is an anti-graft watchdog.
Addressing the railway officers, presiding judge of the High Court bench Justice Md Nazrul Islam Talukder said, "Why are people on the roofs of trains? Is this the way to earn your money? Trains are our national asset. Do you want to swallow it?"
In reply, railway official AM Saleh Uddin said, "We could not stop passengers from travelling on the roofs of trains. There are some limitations, but ultimately this is our failure."
bikashju@gmail.com