Garment Worker Killed in Train Accident

A 22-year-old garment worker was killed after being struck by a train in Netrokona during the early hours of Friday, in what authorities believe was a tragic railway accident.

The victim, identified as Muhid Khan Rifat, was the son of Moinul Kabir Khan from Bara Paikura village under Tetulia Union in Mohanganj upazila of Netrokona district. He had been employed at a garment factory in Dhaka and was travelling home after taking leave from work.

The fatal incident occurred at around dawn on Friday, 17 July, near the Rajur Bazar railway culvert in Netrokona town. According to family members, Rifat had boarded the Haor Express train from Dhaka to return home and was expected to arrive safely. Concern arose when relatives repeatedly failed to contact him by mobile phone during the journey.

His maternal uncle, Lilu Morol, said the family initially believed there had been a temporary communication problem. After several unsuccessful attempts to reach him, they contacted the local Fire Service, where they were informed that Rifat had been involved in a fatal railway accident.

Khane Alam Khan, Senior Station Officer of the Netrokona Fire Service, said preliminary findings indicate that Rifat was struck by the wheels of the moving train. The impact reportedly threw his body into a nearby roadside ditch beside the railway track. Emergency responders reached the scene, but he had already died from the severity of his injuries.

Police and emergency personnel recovered the body and secured the area while awaiting the arrival of officers from the Government Railway Police (GRP), who are responsible for investigating railway-related incidents.

Sub-Inspector Md Akamal of Netrokona Model Police Station said the body remained at the scene after recovery until it could be formally handed over to the Mohanganj GRP. He added that the railway police would carry out the necessary legal procedures, including preparing an inquest report and taking further action in accordance with the law.

The incident has left Rifat’s family devastated. Having travelled home after obtaining leave from his workplace, his journey ended in tragedy before he could reunite with his loved ones.

Railway accidents continue to claim lives in different parts of Bangladesh each year. Many incidents occur when passengers accidentally fall from moving trains, attempt to board or disembark while trains are in motion, or encounter hazards near railway tracks. Authorities routinely urge passengers to remain vigilant throughout their journey and to avoid unsafe movement around trains and railway infrastructure, particularly during night-time and early morning hours when visibility may be reduced.

An investigation by the Government Railway Police is expected to determine the exact circumstances surrounding Rifat’s death.