Dhaka, Bangladesh – In a suo moto proceeding on Tuesday, the High Court bench of Justice Md Nazrul Islam Talukder and Justice Khizir Hayat delivered a stern rebuke to Bangladesh Railway, condemning persistent mismanagement, ticket scalping and the dangerous practice of passengers riding on train roofs.
"If any train carries passengers on its roof, appropriate actions will be taken against the officials concerned," the court declared, underscoring the severity of the safety breach.
The bench ordered the railway authorities to submit a detailed action plan by July 31 outlining steps to eliminate roof‑travel, curb illegal ticket resale and improve overall service management.
During the hearing, the judges interrogated senior officials, asking, "Why is there so much mismanagement in rail services? Why will ticket scalping take place? Why will people travel on the roof of the trains?" The questioning highlighted systemic lapses that have long plagued the nation’s rail network.
Joint Director General of Bangladesh Railway AM Salahuddin acknowledged operational limitations in preventing roof‑travel, while Director (Traffic) Md Nahid Hasan Khan and sohoz.com representative Zunayer Hossain outlined measures already taken, including increased patrols and public awareness campaigns.
Deputy Attorney General AKM Amin Uddin Manik informed the court that a committee would be formed to probe the mismanagement allegations, signalling a coordinated legal response.
The issue gained public attention after Dhaka University student Mohiuddin Roni staged a sit‑in protest demanding improvements to railway services. The High Court’s intervention follows that protest and a recent photo and caption published in The Daily Star, prompting the suo moto action.
Justice Nazrul Islam Talukder concluded, "You cannot remain silent. This cannot be allowed. You must discharge your duties properly," urging immediate compliance to safeguard passengers and restore confidence in Bangladesh’s rail system.
Why it matters
Ensuring safe railway operations protects passengers and upholds public trust in Bangladesh’s transport system.