The collision between the Dhaka-bound Sonar Bangla Express and a stationary freight train in Comilla on Sunday has caused a stir again just days before Eid.
The collision, that led to the derailment of carriages and subsequent injuries for at least 35 people onboard, is another shameful reminder of the carelessness that is on display too often on our roads.
Following instructions from the Railway Ministry, four employees were suspended on Monday afternoon, while a five-member probe body has been formed to further investigate the accident.
While it is encouraging to see prompt action from the authorities, it is imperative that these measures result in long-term solutions to what is clearly a recurring problem. Our roads have been unsafe for too long now, and that cannot continue to be a defining factor for Bangladesh.
This is a timely reminder too, as with Eid holidays fast approaching, a bulk of the city's population will be traveling outwards, which has infamously caused numerous tragic accidents in the past.
As has been pointed out repeatedly, the safety of the general public should be our first priority -- and that cannot be ensured if these levels of mismanagement and negligence run rampant on the roads and rail tracks.
We hope that the investigation committee is successful in not only identifying the cause, but also in taking whatever measures necessary to penalize those involved, and ensuring such an incident is not repeated.
The authorities must also be vigilant and take precautionary measures to prevent any more tragedies during Eid travel times. There can be no place for errors or neglect -- especially when something as important as people's lives are on the line.
