Railway Worker Injured in Stone Attack Near Chakaria

A railway worker was seriously injured after unidentified individuals hurled stones at a passenger train near Dulahajara Station in the Chakaria area of Cox’s Bazar, prompting authorities to halt the service and rush the victim to hospital. The incident occurred on Monday evening, March 2, on the Dhaka-bound Tourist Express departing from Cox’s Bazar.

The injured, Shaber Ahmad, 52, serves as a bedding porter for Bangladesh Railway. His duties include supplying sheets, pillows, and blankets to passengers in AC and other coaches. A resident of Banshkhali Upazila in Chattogram, Ahmad sustained severe head injuries when the train was targeted before reaching Dulahajara Station.

According to Farhad Chowdhury, Station Master at Saharbil, the attack occurred while the train was en route to Dhaka. “A stone was thrown at the moving train, seriously injuring one of our staff,” he stated. The attack took place on the railway track between Eidgaon and Chakaria, highlighting a growing safety concern along this route.

Ahmad was initially taken to Malumghat Christian Memorial Hospital with the assistance of colleagues. As his condition worsened, he was transferred around 9 pm to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment. Doctors reportedly administered ten stitches to his head.

Mohammad Mostafa, Station Master of Dulahajara, confirmed that railway police have inspected the scene. “Preliminary investigation indicates the stone-throwing occurred on the track between Eidgaon and Chakaria. Legal action is underway,” he said.

Railway officials emphasised that throwing stones at moving trains is a serious criminal offence, endangering both passengers and railway staff. Such attacks have occurred repeatedly along the Cox’s Bazar–Chattogram railway line, particularly around Chakaria and surrounding areas, prompting calls for swift preventive measures.

“This is a recurring risk for those working on and around the railway. We urge authorities to take immediate steps to prevent such attacks,” a railway staff member said, underlining concerns over staff safety.

Incident Summary

The incident underscores the ongoing risks faced by railway personnel and passengers along the Cox’s Bazar–Chattogram line. Railway authorities and staff continue to urge heightened security and stricter enforcement to prevent future occurrences.