Staff Reporter:
Clashes between residents of two villages in Bhairab upazila of Kishoreganj disrupted rail communications on the Dhaka-Chattogram, Dhaka-Sylhet, and Dhaka-Kishoreganj routes for six hours, causing immense suffering to thousands of passengers.
Train services resumed around 1:50am on Friday after members of the army and other law enforcement agencies brought the situation under control.
At least 30 people, including eight police personnel, were injured in the clashes.
Locals said a football match between youths from Panchabati and Jagannathpur villages was held around two weeks ago. An argument during the match sparked a dispute between the two groups.
The tension escalated on Thursday when Liam, 17, son of Sohel Mia of Jagannathpur, was allegedly attacked and injured by youths from Panchabati around 7pm.
News of the incident quickly spread in Jagannathpur, prompting residents of both villages to gather at Bhairab Railway Station, where they occupied platforms 1 and 2 and became involved in clashes.
On receiving information, members of the Railway Police, Bhairab Police Station, Rapid Action Battalion, Railway Security Force, and the Bangladesh Army rushed to the scene and tried to restore order.
Hundreds of passengers at Bhairab Railway Station were seen running to safer locations during the violence.
Five trains – Dhaka-bound Mahanagar Godhuli from Chattogram, Parabat Express from Sylhet, Kishoreganj-bound Egarosindhur Godhuli from Dhaka, Chattogram-bound Mahanagar Express from Dhaka, and Bhairab-bound Narsingdi Commuter from Dhaka – remained stranded at different locations due to the disruption.
Officer-in-Charge of Bhairab Railway Police Station Abu Sayeed said law enforcement agencies managed to bring the situation under control after several attempts.
Around 2am on Friday, Bhairab Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) AKM Mamunur Rashid said the authorities successfully restored order through sustained efforts.
“The situation is completely under control. Those involved in damaging state and railway property will be brought to justice,” he said.
Bhairab Railway Station Master Abu Yusuf said train operations returned to normal around 1:50am with the departure of the Dhaka-bound Mahanagar Godhuli train from Chattogram.
