Train fire before election, who is responsible?

The latest victim of train arson is the Benapole Express. The incident occurred as the train, carrying passengers from Benapole border, was about to reach Kamalapur Railway Station in Dhaka. Just minutes away from its destination, the train was set on fire at 9:00 pm on Friday. Till Friday night, no formal statement has been given by the fire service or the railway authorities about who is responsible for this incident. But there is no reason to be difficult to understand that those who are active in disrupting the national elections are behind this arson.

The reason behind this act of arson is linked to the national elections, which were only 36 hours away at the time of the incident. Since the rally of BNP and like-minded parties was foiled on October 28, incidents of train arson, removal of fishplates causing accidents, and a surge in the prevalence of cocktail explosions have been observed. Of course, even though they were in the movement, they did not understand that they could not stop the election even if they held a rally. Therefore, a day before the rally, i.e., from October 27, they had already planned to set trains on fire. Initiating their destructive agenda with the arson of a train in Ishwardi on October 27, they embarked on a series of sabotage activities. With no significant gains from the government downfall rally on October 28, they intensified their aggressive approach. On October 31, a fire was deliberately set on the rail tracks on Bridge No. 26 in the Hitech City area, which spans from Joydevpur in Gazipur to the Hitech City section.

Since the announcement of the election schedule on November 15, such attacks have become evident. On the night of November 16, a train coach was set on fire in Tangail, causing two coaches to completely engulf in flames. On November 19, at Jamalpur Railway Station, the Jamuna Express, standing on the platform, was targeted with arson, resulting in two coaches turning into ashes. Just two days later, on November 22, the Upaban Express, awaiting departure for Dhaka at Sylhet Railway Station, was attacked. Subsequently, on December 13, in the deep of the night, a 20-foot section of the railway line was severed between Bhawal Gazipur and Rajendrapur sections in Gazipur. In the early morning hours, the Mohanganj Express fell victim to a severe accident. Besides, attempts to sabotage the railway infrastructure have been made in several locations, with railway components being removed at various spots. Additionally, in multiple instances, cocktails have been thrown at trains.

BNP and its like-minded parties have no opportunity to deny this responsibility. After the Mohanganj Express accident, those arrested by the law enforcement forces are all BNP activists and local leaders. And it's not a staged drama like a Judge Mia drama. Those caught by law enforcement using modern technology, not only confessed to the incident, but also collected gas cylinders from where they cut the railway tracks, from where they boarded the microbus and left for sabotage. All of this evidence has been submitted to the police, and it has been widely covered by the media.

The second argument is that neither the BNP nor the like-minded parties has explicitly stated that their activists should refrain from causing harm to national assets. There has been no condemnation regarding the unfortunate deaths caused by setting trains on fire. There is no acknowledgment that their movement aims to avoid any loss of life. Instead, their body language suggests a sense of accomplishment, as if a successful attack has been carried out.

Ideological and power-grabbing violence is nothing new in the third world politics. Road blockades, clashes with the police, hurling bricks, and changing political allegiances are common occurrences. However, the destruction of national assets in the struggle only harms the subjugated nation. Those who remain subjugated under external powers often do not consider the nation's assets as their own. The question arises: Does the BNP and the like-minded parties view the nation's assets as something they do not own? Those who have lost their lives are citizens of this country. It's not just Awami League supporters who travel on trains; there might be supporters of the BNP among those who could potentially fall victim to such incidents. In that case, why would those opposed to the government want to commit such murders to gain political mileage?

BNP and its like-minded parties need to remember one more thing. The silent support they are receiving from the United States, if based on such harsh tactics, may lead the U.S. to distance itself from them. Not to mention other countries, but I must note that in 1971, one of the main reasons the United States distanced itself from Pakistan was the brutal genocide, human rights violations, and mass killings perpetrated by West Pakistan in East Pakistan.

On the other hand, it would be prudent for us to consider another perspective. Why has the opposition targeted the railway? Is there any deep-seated international conspiracy at play? Because in Bangladesh, the railway has recently revolutionized the transportation infrastructure. New tracks, brand-new rail coaches, and engines are being introduced. The railway is becoming a popular mode of transportation, creating a transformation in connectivity. We know that major Western car companies are not particularly fond of the development-oriented expansion of railways worldwide. In this context, it is essential not to dismiss the thought of whether the opposition is being influenced by these interests. Nevertheless, regardless of the motivations, those who engage in the destruction of the railway infrastructure should be assured that the law enforcement agencies consider it one of their prime responsibilities to ensure the severest penalties for such actions.

However, the sorrowful reality is that Bangladesh's political culture is so deeply entrenched that if there is ever a change in government, we will see the criminals who set people on fire and burn people to be released from jail on bail. It may even be rewarding. The past history attests to this fact. We want the security, financial and overall development of the people of this country. We as human beings cannot accept the attempt of political change by killing people.

Author: Litterateur and Journalist