Train torched to create anarchy

The ruling Awami League and the government yesterday came down heavily on Opposition Leader Khaleda Zia's remarks that the government had deliberately orchestrated the train accident in Sirajganj.
Rather they said it is the opposition who launched the planned attack on the train and set it on fire in an attempt to create anarchy in the country.
“Such remark from a person who was an elected prime minister for two times is totally frustrating for the nation. It is a sign of negative politics of Khaleda Zia to create chaos in the country centring the issue,” said Mahbubul Alam Hanif, AL joint general secretary and a special assistant to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
“BNP and its supporters are yet to come out of the culture of destructive politics and as part of it they set fire to the train which is a state property,” he said.
“Khaleda should understand that a train runs in its own speed and it is tough to control the speed of a running train abruptly,” he added expressing deep shock over the deaths of some people in the incident.
Communications Minister Syed Abul Hossain said, “There cannot be any motive other than creating anarchy behind the train burning incident. The attack was carried out on a running train. It was not possible to stop the train immediately like a bus.”
He claimed that none was killed under the wheels of the train at first. Rather three or four people died while they tried to stop the running train by attacking it.
“There could have been more casualties. But the driver's efficient handling has saved many lives,” the minister told The Daily Star.
“But the BNP men beat the driver so brutally that he is now fighting for life at Tangail Sadar Hospital. Passengers have also been beaten up and their valuables looted by the BNP men,” he said.
The minister said a high-powered committee has been formed to carry out investigation into the matter. The home ministry will form another committee to investigate the incident, he added.
Director general of Bangladesh Railway and some other senior officials rushed to the spot after the incident, he said adding that train service on the track would be delayed until the damaged train is removed.