Railway staffer dies saving girl

The story of Badal Mia, a railway staffer, who died last Friday saving a woman and her 5-year-old daughter from imminent death, fills us with pride. Going beyond his duty, the 55-year-old technical assistant at the engineering department of Bangladesh Railway rushed to help when many others would simply stand by. It is a profound example of humanity's triumph. 

But we also feel sorrow; if only people did not take unnecessary risks in order to save a few minutes, Badal Mia's sacrifice would not have been necessary. As citizens, we must realise that taking such risks as crossing a railway line while a train is approaching is irresponsible on our part. From jumping onto moving buses to refusing to use foot over-bridges, we constantly put not only ourselves at risk, but others on the roads as well. In this case, because of this rush, a brave man lost his life.

Let Badal Mia's sacrifice be a reminder for us. We applaud the bravery that he displayed through his act as we offer our condolences to his family. Given the family that he leaves behind, the 18 years he served, and the exemplary bravery that he showed to save the life of a child, we ask that the authorities compensate and provide for his family. He was, after all, the only earning member. Let his act of compassion for a human life be rewarded.