Crossing Catastrophe: MP Monirul Seeks Urgent Action After Deadly Cumilla Crash
In the aftermath of a devastating accident at a rail crossing in Paduar Bazar, Cumilla, local Member of Parliament (MP) Monirul Haque Chowdhury, visibly distressed, has sought intervention from the Ministers of Railways and Road Transport to take necessary measures.
A few hours after the tragic incident, which claimed 12 lives, the BNP MP from Cumilla-6 called Railways and Road Transport Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam. A video of the emotional conversation—recorded while the MP was in Singapore—later spread on social media.
On Sunday, March 22, at 10:00 am, Monirul phoned the Railways Minister from Singapore. He later posted the video of their conversation on his Facebook page.
In the video, he is seen, in a tearful voice, urging the minister to visit the accident site immediately. He also mentioned his intention to return to the country promptly after completing his medical treatment.
Earlier, at around 3:00 am on Saturday, March 21, a passenger bus was struck by a train at the Paduar Bazar rail crossing, killing 12 passengers. The Dhaka-bound “Dhaka Mail” train from Chattogram collided with a Mamun Special transport bus traveling from Chuadanga to Lakshmipur when it reached onto the railway tracks while the train was crossing. The impact dragged the mangled bus for nearly one kilometer.
A few hours after the incident, the MP—who is currently in Singapore for medical treatment—called the Railways Minister, requesting a site visit and urgent action.
Crying, Monirul told the minister that such accidents at the Paduar Bazar rail crossing are not new. “This is not a new incident; such incidents have been occurring for the past 100 years, yet no justice is served,” he said.
“I have tried my best. The caretaker government’s railway secretary has all the documents. Madam (Khaleda Zia) had allocated funds for a barrier at Paduar Bazar, but the money was misappropriated during the Awami League government. Saifur Rahman had allocated Tk 750 crore for the Dhaka–Chattogram highway, but we could not complete the work,” he added.
At one point, the minister is heard saying from the other end, “You had mentioned this before as well….”
In response, Monirul said emotionally, “Please go and see the situation. I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow (Monday) night. After that, I will try to catch a flight the same night. I have grown old seeing these corpses. Brother Robiul, if you arrange a proper railway barrier at Paduar Bazar, I will find peace in my life.
“I could not bring anyone there; please go and see. I had shown it to Mirza Fakhrul (Local Government Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir) while he was traveling to Noakhali. Please go and see,” he urged.
The minister responded, “I am on my way. I have already set out. I will do what is necessary.” In reply, Monirul said, “May Allah bless you. You have responded to my call.”
DBTech/FBO/EK/OR
