Despite trains being generally regarded as a safe mode of transportation, over the past six months, a minimum of 20 individuals have sustained injuries due to incidents of stone-throwing on the Faridpur-Bhanga railway line. Furthermore, approximately 1,600 railway pandal clips have been stolen within a 1.5km section of this railway.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the Dhaka-Bhanga railway line on October 10, but due to these incidents, the number of passengers has been decreasing on this route.
On October 11, miscreants injured at least seven or eight passengers by stone pelting after a Rajbari Express train left Faridpur for Bhanga.
On September 20, miscreants stole about 1,600 railway pandal clips of the railway in the Naopara area of Bhanga upazila. The passengers of the train were narrowly saved that night from an accident.
The railway police said they are working to prevent stone pelting incidents, but have not been able to identify anyone.
On the other hand, a case has been filed in connection with the theft, but the railway police have not been able to arrest anyone.
Sohag Matubbar, a passenger travelling on a train, said: "My sister and brother-in-law live in Faridpur city. I often go to Faridpur on this train from Bhanga. A few days ago, there was a stone-pelting incident on the train in front of me. One day I was injured as well. The railway authorities should strengthen the security arrangements on this route.”
Hasauzzaman, general secretary of the Faridpur Anti-Corruption Commission said: "The government is connecting our southern region with the rest of the country through railways. A case has been registered for the stealing, but the railway police have not been able to arrest anyone so far.”
Station Master of Bhanga Railway Station Shahjahan said two local and one intercity trains are running on this route. A train runs from Rajshahi to Bhanga. The local train comes to Bhanga from Rajbari via Faridpur in the morning and evening.
He also said that some points of the Faridpur-Bhanga railway line are deserted areas, and the majority of the stone pelting incidents take place there. Campaigns are being conducted to raise public awareness.
Chairman of Faridpur Zilla Parishad Shahadat Hossain urged the railway authorities to find the miscreants who threw stones at the train. “If they want help, we will also work together with them.”
Somnath Basu, officer-in-charge of Rajbari Railway police station, said the issue of stone pelting on the railway is being taken seriously. “Patrolling has been intensified to trace those involved in such incidents. We have reports of 20 injuries in the last six months. The number could be even higher.”