Mymensingh, Dec 28 (V7N) — Train services on the Dhaka-Mymensingh route were completely suspended on Saturday following acts of arson and sabotage at Gafargaon in Mymensingh. The disruption, which began at 4:00 PM, left eight trains stranded—including five intercity and three commuter services—at various stations until 10:30 PM.

According to Sirajul Islam, Officer-in-Charge of the Railway Security Force, critical signaling equipment and components on the railway were damaged by fire, causing the stoppage. Police and railway sources reported that miscreants set fire to multiple points along the tracks, damaging the signaling system and other vital instruments, making train operations unsafe. Around 8:00 PM, soil was dumped onto the railway using trucks, further obstructing train movement.

Among the affected services, intercity trains Agnibina Express, Jamalpur Express, and Mahua Commuter were stopped at Mymensingh station, while Teesta Express and 48 Commuter train were halted at Fatemanagar and Auliya Nagar stations respectively. Additional trains, including Jamuna and Brahmaputra Express from Dhaka to Mymensingh, were also stranded at different points.

Rail authorities have dispatched technical teams to remove debris and repair the damaged components. Restoration of full services is expected to take several more hours, and the number of stranded trains may rise in the meantime.

Passengers faced severe hardship, particularly women, children, and the elderly. University student Samia Rahman, stranded on Agnibina Express, said, “I have an important exam in Dhaka tomorrow morning. Waiting here for hours, I now hear repairs will take longer. Missing it could ruin my year.” Small trader Rahmat Ali, stuck on the 48 Commuter train, expressed concern over safety and cargo security due to the prolonged stoppage.

Abdullah Al Harun, Superintendent of Mymensingh Railway Station, confirmed three trains remain halted, and full restoration will require additional hours. Sirajul Islam added that while security has been restored, the extent of equipment damage has posed significant challenges.

The disruption follows political unrest in Gafargaon triggered by the BNP’s nomination of Mohammad Aktaruzzaman Bacchu for the upcoming national parliamentary elections. Supporters of rival aspirants Musfiqur Rahman and Siddiqur Rahman vandalized the railway station, set fire to tracks, and locked the station master out, causing widespread chaos.

Authorities are working urgently to resume train operations and ensure passenger safety while assessing the full extent of the damage.

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