Attempted Sabotage Foiled in Mymensingh: Train Coach Set on Fire Using Gunpowder

A group of miscreants set fire to a coach of the Jaria Local Train standing at the wash pit of Mymensingh Junction Railway Station. The incident occurred early Wednesday. Due to the quick response of the Railway Security Force members, major damage and loss of life were avoided. The miscreants fled when Ansar members involved in the operation chased them.

Local Rail Superintendent Abdullah Al Harun said, “Due to the prompt and courageous action of the Railway Security Force, we were able to bring the fire under control quickly. Train movement is currently normal, and the overall situation at the station is stable.” He stated that although some seats in the coach were burnt, the coach itself was not completely damaged.

CRP Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Akhtar Hossain visited the scene and said the wash pit is an area where train coaches are parked for cleaning and maintenance; taking advantage of the darkness at night, the miscreants caused the disturbance there. The OC said, “According to initial findings, the miscreants used a gunpowder-like mixture and petrol to set fire to the coach. No evidence of cooking gas or additional accelerants has been found, but the entire incident is under investigation.”

The OC further said that the Ansar members present at the time saw suspicious activity, and when they chased the attackers, they fled the scene. Later, Railway and Ansar members jointly extinguished the fire and brought the situation under control. Police said that local CCTV footage and statements from people around the station are being collected to determine the origin of the incident.

Locals expressed concerns and demanded immediate action. One station visitor said, “Hearing about such an incident early in the morning is frightening. Security at the station should be strengthened.” Railway workers also said that securing the wash pit area at night and increasing surveillance could have prevented such attempts.

Railway authorities announced that security measures at the station are being tightened; adequate patrolling, grid checks, and additional guards will be deployed. Meanwhile, special police units and the explosives disposal team will conduct a detailed investigation. OC Akhtar Hossain said, “Those who attempted this sabotage will be identified and brought under the law quickly.”

Although the incident did not significantly disrupt train operations, passengers have been advised to remain vigilant. Both the Rail Superintendent and the police have requested the public to immediately report any suspicious objects or individuals to local security authorities. The district administration, railway authorities, and law enforcement agencies are coordinating during the investigation, and any further developments will be announced promptly.