Train arson: The nation must stop the unspeakable evil

WE strongly condemn the dastardly act of arson attack on the Benapole Express train carrying passengers from the Benapole border. Four innocent people got killed and scores others injured with eight of them very seriously.

While we express our deepest sympathy for the bereaved families of victims we at once strongly urge authorities to nab the perpetrators of the crime who had a stunning lack of empathy for the lives of fellow human beings.

There is little doubt that this latest terrorist act like the similar ones that had successively taken place in recent times after BNP’s massive October 28 rally in Dhaka are all politically connected.

As the 12th national polls approached, the sickening political atmosphere arising from the government’s denial of free and fair election to the people became even more tense and violent since then.

But the timing of the arson Friday night, just two days before the controversial one-sided elections, has developed a chilling sense of fear among the train travelers and people at large right now.

The crucial question regarding the firefighters’ role must be answered. The firefighters failed to deliver their duty on time despite the government’s cancellation of their leave.

This clearly indicates a failure in the preparedness for such incidents. Why should the firefighters be so off guard during this tense period?

Despite the attack occurring a mere few-minutes’ walk from the Kamalapur Railway Station, authorities failed to prevent the fire from spreading to other train coaches due to apparent negligence.

Shockingly, the Department of Fire Fighting and Civil Defense arrived an hour after the arson, even though city roads were relatively free on that fateful night.

Media reports have also suggested the use of chemicals in the attack, as the four-passenger cars were engulfed in flames within a minute.

Questions must also be raised about the role of the railway police, Kamalapur Police to be precise, and other law enforcement agencies, whose inaction could have possibly allowed the assailants to escape.

Experts speculate that the arsonists were likely inside the train, pouring chemicals to ignite the coaches.

This emphasises the need for a thorough investigation.
In light of the nation’s history of pre-election violence, it is imperative to scrutinize the incident’s political implications as well as ramifications.

The media must vigilantly observe who might seek to exploit this tragedy for political gain.

The lack of accountability in previous incidents of election-related violence is alarming. This also calls for an urgent professional and impartial investigation into the gruesome incident.

Considering the gravity of the situation with allegation and counter allegation between the government and the opposition, it is crucial that the investigation into this arson attack be conducted under the guidance of a judicial process and, if necessary, within the framework of the United Nations.

The victims and their families deserve justice, and the nation demands accountability to ensure that such heinous acts do not recur in the future.