Security beefed up in BR West Zone for blockade

RAJSHAHI, Jan 13: Security in the West Zone of Bangladesh Railway (BR) has been strengthened to avert any train derailment or accident during the BNP-led 20-Party's ongoing blockade and hartal programme.

Along with installing CC cameras, trains are being piloted at night for extra security. Besides, additional security guards are being recruited at the stations and surrounding areas, said BR officials in Rajshahi.

Some serious accidents have already occurred in various places of the country during the blockade and hartal programme. A number of passengers have been killed and injured, and railway assets and passengers' goods have been destroyed in those accidents.

As a result BR has beefed up security measures, not only in the West Zone but also across the country.

Abdul Karim, superintendent of Rajshahi Railway Station, informed that 16 trains run 32 times daily on five routes from Rajshahi - Dhaka, Khulna, Saidpur, Chapainawabganj and Rajbari. To ensure the passengers' safety, 16 CC cameras have been installed and extra security guards have been employed.

Apart from these, train operators are being cautioned several times while operating the vehicles. A 12-member team along with a supervisor is working to maintain security of the trains and the railway track. Moreover, Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) and BGB members are also looking at the matter.

Recently, schedules of the trains could not be maintained because of the Bishwa Ijtema and lingering fog. As the Bishwa Ijtema is over and the density of fog is also declining, schedules of the trains will be back on the track very soon, hoped the superintendent.