DHAKA, Nov 12, 2019 (BSS) – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today ordered
intensified alertness of railway authorities and others concerned to prevent
train crashes, mourning the deaths caused by the predawn train accident.
“The people who are deputed in the railways will have to be more alert to
stop repeat of such rail accidents,” she said while giving an introductory
speech at the 34th meeting of the board of governors of Bangladesh Export
Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) here.
The premier simultaneously stressed the need for giving proper training to
the rail staffs and drivers to put an end to the train mishaps.
In this regard, she said, “I don’t know exactly why we see rail mishaps
occurring with coming the winter season not only in Bangladesh and but also
throughout the world.”
Sheikh Hasina described the Brahmanbaria mishap as “very tragic” saying “we
had been able to protect ourselves from the natural disaster like Bulbul but
unfortunately the train mishap has occurred”.
She prayed for the peace of the departed souls and early recovery of the
injured people.
At least 16 people were killed and scores injured as two intercity trains
collided in Kasba upazila of Brahmanbaria early today.
On rescue operation, she said the railways minister immediately rushed to
the crash scene while the government extended all necessary supports for the
salvage campaign and treatment of the wounded passengers.
The premier said railway was generally regarded as the safest mode of
transportation and “we are attaching priority” to this sector, expanding the
railway routess”.
Sheikh Hasina, also chairperson of BEPZA Board of Governors, chaired the
meeting held at the PMO.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan,
Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, Textiles and Jute Minister
Golam Dastagir Gazi, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources
Nasrul Hamid, State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury and State
Minister for Labour and Employment Begum Monnujan Sufian were present on the
occasion.
PM’s Principal Secretary Md Nojibur Rahman moderated the function while
PMO Secretary Sajjadul Hassan, PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim and
concerned secretaries were present on the occasion.