20 injured as Bhairab residents block rail demanding district status

Bhairab railway tracks turned turbulent on Monday morning (October 27) as locals blocked the Dhaka-bound Upakul Express demanding district status for Bhairab, chanting slogans like “We want Bhairab as a district.”

During this time, agitators hurled stones, injuring at least 20 people including passengers.

The blockade, which began around 10:30am and lasted till 11:40am, disrupted train services on the Dhaka-Chattogram route. Five trains, including Karnaphuli Express and Chattala Express, were delayed, causing severe passenger suffering.

Railway officials and local leaders tried to resume train movement promptly.

Protesters said the agitation intensified after the Public Administration Ministry’s reform proposal on October 11 to include Kishoreganj in Mymensingh Division, sparking resentment among Bhairab residents.

Local BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Gono Odhikar Parishad, and several student and religious groups expressed solidarity with the movement.

Leaders warned that if the government does not announce Bhairab as a district, they will enforce indefinite road, rail, and river blockades.

Railway police said train services have resumed, and an investigation is underway to identify those involved in the stone pelting.