CCTV dysfunction raises passenger safety concerns

Amidst a nationwide ongoing strike and blockade, the security of passengers at Ishwardi Junction railway station in Pabna has come under scrutiny as the CCTV system in the station remains non-functional. Recent incidents involving attempted sabotage of trains have raised concerns about the safety of train travel, even though no casualties have been reported.

Panic has gripped passengers following two unsettling events: an attack on the Kolkata-bound Maitri Express train with petrol bombs and the discovery of a bomb placed beneath a train compartment at the station. Although cases have been filed in connection with these incidents, no arrests have been made by the police. Compounding the issue, all CCTV cameras at the station have been out of order for an extended period.

Ishwardi Junction stands as one of the largest railway stations in the country, serving as a crucial transport hub connecting passengers to various destinations, including the capital, on a daily basis. However, the ongoing strike and blockade have disrupted the station's normal operations, causing a surge in criminal activity in the vicinity.

Perpetrators have made two recent attempts at sabotage near the station. On November 1, miscreants hurled petrol bombs at the Maitri Express near the Locust area, resulting in damage to a train compartment window but no injuries. On November 3, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) discovered an explosive device beneath a parked train compartment on the west side of the station, which was later safely defused. RAB confirmed that the bomb contained highly potent explosives, posing a significant threat. These consecutive incidents have left passengers in a state of panic.

Passengers like Ashiku Rahman, Mohabbat Hossain, and Mamunur Rashid express concerns about their safety, citing a lack of security at the station and onboard trains. They point to the absence of law enforcement personnel and the malfunctioning CCTV cameras as contributing factors to the security lapses.

Furthermore, train staff, including TTE Abdul Alim Mithu, have voiced their apprehensions, particularly about the increased incidents of stone-pelting on trains. Mithu stresses the necessity of enhancing security both at the station and onboard trains.

Salim Sardar, president of the local social organization Sabuj Prithibu Ishwardi upazila branch, calls for the presence of an ample number of law enforcement forces, including railway security forces, police, and Ansar, to combat the rising criminal activities. He emphasizes that intelligence operations and security measures need to be heightened to prevent acts of sabotage.

Adding to the security challenges, the 17 CCTV cameras at the station have remained inactive for an extended period, making it difficult to identify culprits. Although cases have been filed in the two recent incidents, no arrests have been made, leaving passengers and staff concerned.

Inspector Feroz Ahmed of the Railway Security Force in Ishwardi reports additional security measures in place to prevent vandalism, with armed patrol parties monitoring the station area regularly. Intelligence activities have also been increased.

Mohiul Islam, acting station superintendent of Ishwardi Junction, expresses a commitment to vigilance alongside law enforcement forces to prevent further sabotage. He highlights the urgency of repairing the station's CCTV cameras and installing new ones to boost security.

Ishwardi Railway Assistant Superintendent of Police Feroze Ahmed confirms that cases have been filed in connection with the Maitri Express incident and the discovery of the bomb. Investigation efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend those involved, with enhanced security measures implemented at the station.

It is worth noting that under the Pakshi Divisional Western Railway, approximately 40 trains pass through Ishwardi Junction Station daily, serving more than ten thousand passengers.