To curb vandalism and enhance passenger safety, authorities have initiated the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras on trains, and at various railway stations across the country.
This move comes in response to a series of incidents, including attacks on trains and stations, causing damage and loss of life.
Saiful Alam, Divisional General Manager of Railway Eastern Region, told Bangladesh Post, “One after another, incidents of vandalism are happening around the trains during the strike-blockade in different parts of the country. Apart from the derailment of the train, several passengers were burnt alive. As a result, it has been decided to install CCTV cameras in trains to control vandalism. Accordingly the work is going on.”
The authorities are implementing a comprehensive plan, starting with the installation of CCTV cameras in intercity train coaches. The initiative, underway since January 10, prioritizes trains with high public demand. The installation process, conducted meticulously, ensures that every important part of the coaches is covered, with each coach now equipped with 12 CCTV cameras.
A good number of intercity trains plying on the Dhaka-Chattogram route have already completed the installation of CCTV cameras. The Railway Police emphasize the importance of this step in addressing incidents of vandalism during strikes and blockades.
Dhaka Railway Superintendent of Police (SP) Anwar Hossain informed the media, “CCTV cameras have been successfully installed on two trains from Dhaka, namely Mohanganj Express and Haor Express. The plan is to gradually extend this security measure to all trains.” Highlighting the broader scope of the initiative, he also said that CCTV cameras are not only being installed on trains but also in stations where there are currently no surveillance cameras. This extensive coverage, particularly in Dhaka's railway stations, aims to control and deter vandalism effectively.
The need for enhanced security measures became apparent with a series of incidents in recent months. The unrest that began on October 28, coinciding with a BNP-led blockade, saw attacks on the Tangail Commuter train, the Jamuna Express, and the Upobon Express. On December 13, the Mohoganj Express faced deliberate rail removal, followed by a tragic fire incident near Kamalapur on Tuesday, resulting in the destruction of three coaches and claiming four lives.
Incidents of arson, such as the Mohanganj Express in Tejgaon on December 19, where four people, including a mother and her baby, lost their lives, and the Benapole Express fire on January 5 in Gopi Bagh, claiming four lives, underscore the urgency of implementing robust security measures.
The ongoing efforts to install CCTV cameras on trains and at stations reflect a commitment to passenger safety and a proactive approach to preventing and addressing security challenges within the railway network.
