The recent surge in violent tactics by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) poses a serious threat to public safety and the electoral process.
As Bangladesh anticipates the upcoming elections on January 7 with a sense of celebration, the atmosphere is marred by disturbing actions. BNP activists have resorted to destructive measures, setting buses and trains ablaze, resulting in the loss of innocent lives. Regrettably, train vandalism persists, with daily occurrences in various parts of the country. Under the pretext of strikes and blockades, BNP workers have engaged in acts of vandalism, totaling nearly fifty locations nationwide. Their disruptive activities encompass cutting railway lines, igniting trains, hurling petrol bombs, and removing fish plates.
So far, nine people on suspicion of train sabotage have been detained by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) across the country.
The arrests were made in connection with their purported engagement in acts of vandalism, setting fire to a Dhaka-bound train Mohanganj Express from Netrakana, and arson on the bus in different parts of the country during the latest nationwide blockades and hartals. However, their names were not immediately known. The total number of people detained by RAB in connection with violence and sabotage, from October 28 has now reached 891.
Arrests Made to Curtail Sabotage Threat
The recent surge in violent tactics by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) poses a serious threat to public safety and the electoral process. The arrests made by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the proactive measures taken by security forces, including the Bangladesh Army’s potential deployment, underscore the urgent need to maintain law and order. The recurring incidents of arson, particularly on trains, demand a comprehensive strategy to address the escalating violence and ensure a secure environment for the upcoming parliamentary elections on January 7.
The recent crackdown in the vicinity of the airport railway station has led to the arrest of several individuals suspected of engaging in destructive acts within the railway network.
The subsequent collaborative efforts between the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the National Security Intelligence (NSI) culminated in the arrest of nine individuals.
Responding to queries about future risks and heightened security measures, Ahmad emphasized the evolving trend from bus and truck arson to railway sabotage. “Law enforcement agencies and intelligence bodies are actively engaged in preventing such incidents and we have deployed plainclothes intelligence agents at various stations, monitoring train movements closely. We expect these deterrent measures to dissuade future attempts,”
Events of Train Sabotage
The aftermath of the Gazipur incident faded amidst the disruptive maneuvers orchestrated by the BNP, casting a pall over public life. As their support dwindled, they turned to more sinister tactics, resulting in harm and tragic loss of life.
On November 16, the Panchagarh Express, stationed at Gharinda railway station in Tangail, fell victim to an arson attack. Three compartments were engulfed in a destructive blaze.
Similarly, in the early hours of November 19, two compartments of the Jamuna Express at Jamalpur’s Sarishabari railway station were set on fire. This marked the second train incineration during the BNP’s blockade and hartal program.
November 23 witnessed an arson incident aboard the Upaban Express, an intercity train at Sylhet Railway Station. The fire ignited in the AC chair compartment around 9:30 pm, confirmed by Sylhet railway station manager, Md Nurul Islam.
Another distressing event unfolded on November 27 at Ishwardi Junction in Pabna. An unidentified group set fire to a stationed train around 8:30 pm. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, and two fire service units swiftly doused the flames within thirty minutes.
Plan to Start Automatic Train Safety System
As per railway sources, the country currently boasts a comprehensive railway network spanning 3093.38 kilometers, incorporating a total of 4324 kilometers encompassing track lines of 75 kilometers each. Approximately 300 trains, inclusive of inter-city, commuter, mail/local, and cargo trains, operate throughout the nation’s railway system. Safeguarding these trains and tracks necessitates a significant deployment of law enforcement personnel. However, in comparison, the Railway Own Force (RNB) and JRP members are notably scarce. To address this shortfall, an additional 2700 Ansar members have been enlisted, all of whom have already commenced their duties within railway security.
Key Highlights
Furthermore, the Railway administration is contemplating the implementation of an Automatic Train Protection System (ATPS). This cutting-edge system is designed to prevent train collisions and associated damages. ATPS comprises various features, including monitoring a train’s speed limits and automatically halting the train if it surpasses these limits without heeding warning signals. Presently, a survey is underway for its potential integration. Notably, countries such as the United States, Japan, and several European nations have already adopted ATPS. Recently, India, a neighboring country, also introduced this advanced method. Once implemented, this system will ensure that if a train inadvertently crosses a danger signal due to staff failure, it will automatically come to a halt, averting potential collisions.
BNP’s Arson Rampage
Regrettably, arson incidents have become a frequent phenomenon during BNP-orchestrated hartals. Following the tragic arson of the Mohanganj Express, several additional incidents unfolded throughout the country, further emphasizing the urgency of addressing this alarming trend.
The frequency of BNP’s arson rampage is on the rise day by day, it is disconcerting to report that four buses were deliberately set ablaze in distinct areas of Dhaka, including Khilgaon, Mohammadpur, and Gulistan, as well as in Chattogram. These regrettable incidents transpired on Tuesday (December 19) during the nationwide dawn-to-dusk hartal orchestrated by BNP and Jamaat.
The BNP has pursued a ruthless political strategy, setting buses on fire in various regions of the country. The persistent occurrence of bus arson undeniably signals the BNP’s widespread intimidation, reminiscent of human rights violations. This recurring pattern raises significant concerns about potential human rights and safety threats.
