Death under a speeding train

It will be an understatement to say that we are shocked by the tragedy that has taken place in Sayedabad, Sirajganj. No tragedy can be greater than the sudden death of people in circumstances previously unforeseen. And such tragedy takes on a bigger dimension when one realises that it could have been prevented. In the present case, it boggles the mind why a crowd at a public rally should spill over on to the railway tracks, oblivious of the dangers involved.
As far as we understand it, the tragedy is a clear demonstration of irresponsibility on the part of everyone involved. Consider the role of BNP leaders who organised the meeting, including Begum Khaleda Zia, as the chairperson of the BNP. It should have been their task to ensure that party volunteers were present to dissuade the crowd from converging on the railways tracks as a measure of security. The fundamental requirement for politicians is ensuring that lives are safe. In this particular instance, that requirement was conspicuous by its absence. We might add here that the leader of the opposition, once the train was set afire, should have seen to it that the flames were doused through allowing the fire brigade to approach the train and through exhorting her own party followers to assist in the task. It grieves us to know that this sense of responsibility too was cast aside.
Then there is the role of the railway authority. Reports suggest that the train had a delayed start at Dinajpur. That is quite possible, given that rail services in Bangladesh have generally been unable to stick to their schedules. The bigger question here, though, is whether the people at the Jamtoli station sent out information to Sayedabad about the approaching train so that precautionary measures could be taken to slow it down given the presence of the crowd on the tracks. There are, naturally, standard regulations that are followed by the railways. One wonders if those regulations were adhered to where this particular train movement was concerned.
Finally, there is the plain and simple question for the police and the district authorities: what measures did they take to ensure discipline among the crowds at the rally? A police officer has sought to explain the tragedy away by suggesting that if the police had not permitted the rally at that particular spot, the government would have been accused of repressing the opposition. That is an absurd thought, considering that it is the responsibility of the police, no matter how adverse the circumstances, to ensure security for all. They should have been firm about not allowing the rally to be held so close to the railway tracks or at least ensuring that the railway track was kept clear at all times by placing guards on either side of the railway track nearest to the meeting venue. Why did they not go for action when people began to converge all over the tracks? And where were they when the mob prevented the fire brigade from approaching the torched train?
On the part of the government, we think, the communication minister should not have gone on the blaming offensive, when he himself has requested the home ministry for a thorough inquiry.
All sides should stop the blame game and try to get to the truth and prevent such incidents from recurring.
We offer our sincere condolences to the families of the dead and injured. Let such tragedy not recur, not ever again.