Dhaka’s rail links with Sylhet, Chittagong restored

Dhaka’s railway communications with Sylhet and Chittagong have been restored around nine hours after a train accident threw travel plans of thousands of passengers in disarray.

Akhaura Railway Police Station OC Yasin Ahmed said the up line towards Dhaka became operational after seven hours of efforts on Sunday.

"Trains from both directions will be able to use the line in rationing system. We are trying to restore the down line too," he added.

Eight trains were stranded at different stations after a Dhaka-Sylhet intercity train derailed in Brahmanbarhia.

Akhaurha Loco-Shed officer Md Mohsin Miah said a relief train arrived at the scene of the accident at 4:30pm.

A four-member committee headed by Railway Departmental Transport officer Nazmul Islam has been formed to investigate the accident.

The committee has been asked to submit a report in three days.

Several passengers were injured in the accident, said Brahmanbarhia Railway Station's Assistant Master Moinul Hossain.

He said six carriages of the inter-city 'Joyontika Express' derailed near the Paghachang Station around 2pm.

"Several passengers were injured when they jumped off the train in panic," added the railways official.

It was not clear whether the accident was caused by sabotage amid the ongoing nationwide transport blockade enforced by the BNP and its allies.

Train is the preferred mode of transport for millions during the violent agitation with trucks and buses coming under regular arson and bomb attacks across Bangaldesh.