Railway warns Eid travelers against online ticket fraud

Bangladesh Railway has urged passengers to remain cautious while purchasing train tickets ahead of Eid, warning against an ongoing fraud involving fake ticket sellers on social media.

In a statement issued on Wednesday (May 13), Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Railways Rezaul Karim Siddique said some individuals are misleading passengers by falsely claiming to secure train tickets in exchange for payments via bKash, Nagad and other mobile financial services.

“These fraudsters collect money and then cut off all communication, often switching off their SIM cards afterward,” the statement said, adding that they have no access or capacity to arrange tickets.

Rail authorities reiterated that 100% of Eid advance tickets are being sold only through the official “Rail Sheba” app, and no individual, agency or third party is authorised to sell or arrange tickets.

According to railway rules, a registered user can purchase a maximum of four tickets per trip, with mandatory entry of co-passenger details. The person whose ID is used for ticket purchase must travel in person with the same mobile device and valid photo ID.

Travelling with a ticket issued under another person’s identity is a punishable offence, the railway warned.

Passengers have been advised to report any suspicious activity to the Railway Security Force (RNB) or Government Railway Police (GRP). Complaints can also be lodged via the Bangladesh Railway hotline at 131.