Provide solution to train ticket blacking, not excuse

The primary objective of Bangladesh Railway’s e-ticketing service was to reduce the hardships faced by ordinary passengers and ensure transparency in ticket purchases. However, the reality has long been quite the opposite. Findings from a recent internal inquiry by the railway authorities have raised serious concerns. Allegations have emerged that within minutes of tickets going on sale, large numbers of them are being blocked using automated software known as “bots” and subsequently resold at inflated prices through unauthorised websites. In connection with the incident, Bangladesh Railway has sought an explanation from its contracted service provider, Shohoz-Synesis-Vincen JV.
Complaints that tickets disappear as soon as they are released on the online platform are nothing new. The experience of ordinary passengers, including playwright Ashfaq Nipun, on 7 October recently reaffirmed this reality: all tickets reportedly disappeared within a minute of being released at 8 a.m. This situation not only deprives ordinary passengers of their right to purchase tickets at fair prices but also raises serious questions about the security and reliability of the entire e-ticketing system.
Although Shohoz has claimed that it has implemented adequate technological measures to prevent fraud and is working in coordination with the railway authorities, the contract places the responsibility for ensuring infrastructure security on the company. So, the unrestricted intrusion of automated bots indicates a major failure in its security protocols.
The problem extends beyond the misuse of technology. Reports that members of the Railway Nirapatta Bahini (RNB), the railway’s own security force, have become involved in ticket black marketing make it clear that the roots of the problem run much deeper. The suo motu case initiated by a court in Sylhet and the initiative taken by the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to investigate the matter are reassuring developments. Nevertheless, a lasting solution will require stringent action.
We expect public interest and accountability to be given the highest priority in public services. The acceptance of Shohoz’s explanation and the rectification of security vulnerabilities must not be reduced to mere formalities. Bangladesh Railway must strengthen its digital security infrastructure, ensure exemplary punishment for those involved, and restore full transparency to the ticketing system. Allowing an unscrupulous syndicate to hold passengers hostage for profit cannot be the hallmark of a modern public service.