Child, passengers injured as protesters throw bricks at trains
A group of students from Titumir College, demanding university status for their institution, have been protesting by blocking the Mohakhali rail crossing, halting train services between Dhaka and the rest of the country. During the protest, the students stopped two intercity trains and threw bricks at the trains, causing injuries to several passengers, including a child.
The protest began around 11:00 am on Monday as the students gathered at the railgate area in Mohakhali.
According to the latest reports, train services between Dhaka and the rest of the country remain suspended due to the protest. Additionally, traffic in the Mohakhali, Banani, and Jahangir Gate areas has been completely halted, causing significant disruption for both train and bus passengers.
Witnesses said that due to the chaotic movement of students, a major accident could have occurred at the Mohakhali railway crossing area. The protesters' sudden actions created a serious risk, as they stood on the tracks without warning, forcing two approaching intercity trains to make emergency stops. Had the train drivers not acted quickly, a major disaster could have unfolded at the scene.
Banani Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC), Mohammad Rasel Sarwar, said, “The situation at the Mohakhali rail crossing is critical. Train operations are completely halted, and the students are standing on the tracks while throwing bricks and stones at the trains. Traffic in the Mohakhali, Banani, and Jahangir Gate areas is fully blocked.”
Dhaka Railway Police Officer-in-Charge, Joynal Abedin, confirmed the incident, saying, “We have received information about the situation, and multiple railway police teams are heading to the site.”
Meanwhile, the Dhaka Control Room of Bangladesh Railway reported that two intercity trains were stranded in the Mohakhali area due to the protest. These trains were the Agnibina Express, bound for Tarakandi in Jamalpur, and the Bonolota Express, coming from Chapainawabganj to Dhaka.
