Risky market on rail tracks
A makeshift market of second-hand warm clothes on and close to the rail tracks at Saidpur railway station in the district poses the risk of a fatal accident anytime.
A section of local traders set up the shops there illegally during the winter but the authorities have turned a blind eye to the matter despite repeated pleas, said an official of the station.
Sale of warm clothes has marked increase at around 100 makeshift shops on and around the tracks as the cold spell is now sweeping over the northern district, said traders and locals.
During a recent visit, this correspondent found the sellers hurriedly clearing the tracks and removing the bundles of clothes as soon as they saw a train coming.
A number of male and female customers were also seen running helter-skelter for safety along with their kids.
Railway sources said that the intercity and local trains usually cross the point 8-10 times a day.
Requesting anonymity, a few traders alleged that some local Jubo League leaders and some railway police collect illegal toll from them allowing the business at the place.
Contacted, Sekandar Azam, local councilor of Saidpur municipality, said “we are unable to shift the market as it is the duty of the railway authorities”.
Alamgir Hossain, assistant master of Saidpur railway station, said they had already informed the higher authorities about the matter.
Officer in-charge of Saidpur railway police station Md Israil Hossain said they are yet to get any order from the railway authorities to evict the market.
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