Attacks on railways are on the rise during the hartals and blockades enforced by BNP and five people have died so far in attacks on trains, said Railway Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujon on Tuesday.

“Currently rail communication has become risky and we need support from all. The way public life is being be put in risks by involving the railways with political programmes through terrorist acts is not acceptable. It is a criminal offence,” he said.

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The railways minister said these at a press briefing held at Railway Bhaban.

Referring to the arson attack on a train at Tejgaon rail station area, the minister said three coaches were burnt down while four people died in the arson attack.

At least four people including a child died as miscreants set fire to the Dhaka-bound ‘Mohanganj Express’ train in the capital's Tejgaon Railway station area early Tuesday, just an hour before the starting of hartal called by BNP and likeminded opposition parties.

The minister said they are trying to ensure  safe rail journey. “We have talked to the Home Ministry and sought 2700 Ansar members to ensure security on railways and decision in this regard will come within two or one day,” he said.

On November 16, miscreants set fire to a stationary train in Tangail when two bogies were gutted, said the minister.

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Besides, two coaches of ‘Jamuna Express’ train were burnt as miscreants set those on fire in Sarishabari of Jamalpur on November 19, he added.

Meanwhile, miscreants set fire to ‘Upobon Express’ in Sylhet, that left a coach damaged.

On December 13, rail slippers were uprooted in Rajendrapur, leaving one dead and 50 others injured as six coaches veered off the tracks due to the sabotage act, the railways minister added.