1. Arsonists set fire to a passenger train in Bangladesh, resulting in at least five deaths and numerous injuries.
2. The incident occurred on the Benapole Express in Dhaka’s Gopibag area, just two days before the general elections.
3. Authorities suspect it to be a case of arson, with the fire affecting multiple compartments of the train.
Dhaka, Jan 06: At least five individuals lost their lives, and numerous others sustained injuries in Bangladesh when arsonists allegedly set fire to a passenger train on Friday night, just two days before the general elections.
The tragic incident unfolded on the Benapole Express in the Gopibag area of Dhaka, the capital city.
The turmoil surrounding the upcoming elections, marked by unrest due to the Opposition’s boycott, casts a shadow over the tragic event.
The fire erupted around 9:00 pm in the Gopibag area and was brought under control by 10:20 pm.
According to The Daily Star report, the police suspect arson, as five compartments of the train were deliberately set ablaze, affecting at least four compartments bound for Dhaka.
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Notably, a considerable number of passengers on the train were reported to be Indian nationals.
A search operation is underway to assess casualties and damages, with concerns that additional individuals might be trapped inside the compartments. The Benapole Express connects Dhaka to Benapole, a crucial land port in Bangladesh.
The ongoing violence and disruptions during the pre-election phase have heightened tensions in Bangladesh, with parliamentary elections scheduled for Sunday.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies, the main opposition, have advocated for a complete boycott of the electoral process. Their demands include the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the establishment of a caretaker government to ensure “free and fair polls.”
