Bangladesh Railway has advised passengers to purchase train tickets only through its designated mobile application “Rail Sheba” in order to avoid harassment and fraud.

The authority has recently observed that certain fraudulent individuals are assuring ticket sales through various social media platforms despite having no capacity to deliver tickets, Bangladesh Railway said in a statement on Monday.

These fraudsters collect money from passengers via bKash, Nagad, or other mobile banking systems and then disconnect communication, often by switching off or deactivating previously used SIM cards.

According to Bangladesh Railway regulations, a registered ID holder can purchase a maximum of four tickets per journey. In such cases, the names of accompanying passengers must also be provided during the ticket purchase.

Currently, 100 percent of train tickets are being sold online, exclusively through the official “Rail Sheba” app. No other person, institution, or platform is authorized to sell train tickets.

Passengers buying tickets from unauthorized sources will undoubtedly fall victim to fraud.

As per the rules, the individual whose ID is used for ticket purchase must travel with the ticket, carrying the registered mobile phone and a valid photo ID. Travel by anyone other than the registered passenger and listed companions is considered a punishable offense under the law.

The railway authority has urged passengers to immediately inform law enforcement agencies or concerned railway officials if any fraudulent group promises to procure tickets on their behalf or attempts to sell tickets purchased under someone else’s ID.

Bangladesh Railway Security Force (RNB) and Government Railway Police (GRP) will provide assistance in such cases.

Additionally, complaints can be lodged by calling the Bangladesh Railway hotline number 131, where complainants’ identities will be kept strictly confidential.