PM orders railway to prevent train crash recurrences

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today ordered railway authorities and others concerned to prevent train crashes, mourning the deaths caused by the train accident. 

“The people who are assigned in the railways will have to be more alert to stop the repeat of such rail accidents,” she said while giving an introductory speech at the 34th meeting of the board of governors of Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) here.

The premier, at the same time, stressed the need for giving proper training to the rail staffs and drivers to put an end to the train mishaps.

In this regard, she said, “I don’t know exactly why we see rail mishaps occurring with coming the winter season not only in Bangladesh and but also throughout the world.”

Sheikh Hasina described the Brahmanbaria mishap as “very tragic” saying “we had been able to protect ourselves from the natural disaster like Bulbul but unfortunately the train mishap has occurred”.

She prayed for the peace of the departed souls and early recovery of the injured people.

At least 16 people were killed and scores injured as two intercity trains collided in Kasba Upazila of Brahmanbaria early today.

On rescue operation, she said the railways minister immediately rushed to the crash scene while the government extended all necessary supports for the salvage campaign and treatment of the wounded passengers.

The premier said railway was generally regarded as the safest mode of transportation and “we are attaching priority” to this sector, expanding the railway routes”.

Sheikh Hasina, also the chairperson of the BEPZA Board of Governors, chaired the meeting held at the PMO.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, Textiles and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid, State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury and State Minister for Labour and Employment Begum Monnujan Sufian were present on the occasion.

PM’s Principal Secretary Md Nojibur Rahman moderated the function while PMO Secretary Sajjadul Hassan, PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim and concerned secretaries were present on the occasion.

Source: BSS