Bangladesh
Benapole Express Four killed in suspected arson attack on Benapole Express in Dhaka's Gopibagh
Dhaka, Jan 6: At least four people, including two children, have been killed in the incident of fire in 'Benapole Express' train at Gopibagh area in the capital. At least five coaches of the intercity train have been burnt.
The fire service received information about the fire on the train at around 9 pm on Friday (January 5). Seven units of fire service rushed to the scene and brought the fire under control.
A senior fire service official has confirmed four fatalities in the incident. The deceased are yet to be identified.
The train was coming to Dhaka with passengers from Benapole in Jessore. Shortly before reaching Kamalapur railway station, the train caught fire around 9 pm.
Kamalapur Railway Station Manager Masud Sarwar said, "Miscreants set fire to five compartments of the Benapole Express at Gopibagh. The compartments were completely burnt.”
Fire Service Media Officer Anwarul Islam said, "Miscreants set fire to some compartments of the train. Seven units from Khilgaon, Postgola and nearby fire stations worked on the spot after receiving the information about the fire."
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Fire service officials said that the blaze was brought under control at 10:20 pm with the efforts of seven units.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed deep shock and sorrow at the loss of lives in the fire incident on the Benapole Express in Dhaka’s Gopibagh.
She has directed the concerned authorities to investigate the cause behind the fire.
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The Prime Minister prayed for the salvation of the departed souls and directed to take immediate steps for the treatment of the injured.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) is calling the Benapole Express fire a case of sabotage.
DMP Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) Kh. Maheed Uddin said, "The train was set on fire in a planned manner. It is sabotage, that is clear."
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Railway has formed a seven-member committee led by Dhaka Divisional Signal and Telecommunication Engineer Soumik Shaon Kabir to investigate the Gopibagh train fire incident.
Confirming the matter early Saturday, senior information officer at the Ministry of Railways, Siraj-ud-Daula Khan, said that the committee has been asked to submit its report within three working days.
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General Manager (GM) of Western Railway Asim Kumar Talukder said that Benapole to Dhaka bound Benapole Express (715) will remain suspended till next Sunday (January 7). This inter-city train will resume services from Monday (January 8).
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According to the Ministry of Railways, apart from the Benapole Express fire incident, miscreants have set four trains of fire and cut railway tracks in different parts of the country since October 28. Another 19 incidents of arson and eight cocktail explosions occurred on railway lines.
