An investigation committee has found the driver and his assistant of the Ekota Express train guilty of the collision that killed two people and injured at least 30 others in Sirajganj on Sunday.
“We have found the driver and his assistant primarily, either directly or indirectly, responsible for the crash,” said additional district magistrate Shafiqul Islam, who is leading the committee formed by the deputy commissioner’s office, yesterday.
“Though the red light was on, they drove into Platform No 1, ignoring it,” said Shafiqul, adding, “so then it collided with the Lalmonirhat Express train which was parked there.”
Both the driver, Bankim Chandra Roy, and his assistant Abdus Shafi were suspended immediately for their alleged negligence while driving. The station master of Ullahpara rail station Khan Moniruzzaman was also suspended.
The secretary of the Ministry of Railways Abul Kalam Azad and Railway director general Tofazzal Hossain ordered their suspensions.
More than one railway officer and employee said such accidents are a result of the train drivers being physically weak or incapable due to their old age.
Driver Bankim retired several years ago, but he had been brought back into service on a contractual basis. People often retire when they are incapable of serving well, sources said.
Additional director general of the Railway Division (Infrastructure) Amzad Hossain admitted this and said, “We are working with a shortage of 15000 staff. How can we run the sector without hiring retired drivers on a contractual basis?”
Meanwhile, a five-member committee led by the Pakshi divisional office was cancelled as a higher level inquiry committee has been formed by the Ministry of Railways and the director general of the Bangladesh Railway.
