Growing stone-pelting menace threatens rail passenger safety in B’baria

A surge in stone-throwing attacks on moving trains in the Brahmanbaria section of the Eastern Railway has raised serious concerns over passenger safety in recent months.

According to Bangladesh Railway, more than 200 stone-throwing incidents have been recorded on the Eastern Railway network over the past 17 months. Several locations in Brahmanbaria have been identified as high-risk areas due to repeated attacks.

The incidents have triggered protests in the district, with residents from different walks of life forming human chains and demanding the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible.

The Eastern Railway route passing through Brahmanbaria is one of the country's busiest rail corridors. However, railway officials said incidents of stone pelting have increased significantly in recent months, particularly at several vulnerable locations identified as "red zones." One of the most serious incidents occurred on the night of 23 June when the Dhaka-bound Turna Express came under attack near Talshahar in Ashuganj. 

Passenger Shyamal Chandra Das suffered severe eye injuries after being struck by a stone allegedly thrown by miscreants. Despite medical treatment, doctors could not save the vision in his injured eye.

On the same night, another passenger, Naimul Hasan, was injured in a similar attack on the Mahanagar Express.

Some local residents suspect that vested interests linked to the road transport sector may be attempting to undermine public confidence in rail travel. However, law enforcement agencies said no evidence has been found to support such allegations.

Railway Police said investigations are underway to identify those involved. Patrols and surveillance have been intensified in vulnerable areas, while awareness campaigns, including public announcements and community meetings near railway tracks, are being conducted to discourage such acts.

Although railways remain one of the country's safest and most affordable modes of transport, repeated attacks on moving trains have alarmed passengers and raised questions about security along the route.

Residents have urged the authorities to strengthen security measures, identify the perpetrators and ensure exemplary punishment to prevent further attacks and restore public confidence in rail travel.