Sylhet-Dhaka intercity train fire-bombed in Habiganj

The Sylhet-bound 'Kalni Express' has been fire-bombed but the driver hit top gear and sped away to safety, officials say.

'Kalni Express' assistant driver Anal Biswas told journalists after reaching Srimangal station the petrol bombs were lobbed at the train when it reached outer signal of Rashidpur at Habiganj around 10pm on Thursday.

"I raised the speed of the train and cleared the area immediately," he said.

No casualties have been reported so far.

Earlier in the day, supporters of the ongoing BNP blockade set fire to an inter-city 'Meghna Express' at Chandpur around 3am on Thursday.

But no casualties were reported, said Assistant Station Master Mohammed Maruf.

"The miscreants set a carriage of the train on fire in Borochandpur area after pouring petrol on it but railway employees doused the flames soon enough," Maruf said.

Public transport like trucks, buses and trains are being continuously targeted by the pro-blockade elements since BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia called an indefinite nationwide transport blockade on Jan 5.

They have mostly used petrol bombs to attack and scores of passengers and drivers or those assisting them have been burnt, with some dying gruesome deaths.

Attempts to cause derailment by removing fishplates and uprooting tracks have also been frequently reported.