Bangladesh train 'set on fire' in pre-poll violence; 4 dead, several Indians believed to be on board
PTC News Desk: Four people were killed when an intercity Benapole Express train caught fire in Gopibagh, Bangladesh, according to the Dhaka Tribune. According to the Dhaka Tribune, the incident occurred around 9:05 p.m. on Friday, and "miscreants" set fire to at least five compartments of the train.
However, the victims have yet to be identified.
According to Rakibul Hasan, the duty officer of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, seven firefighting units were brought in to control the fire.
Mahid Uddin, Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), claimed that the Benapole Express train fire was a "planned attack" following the incident.
The incident occurred only two days before Bangladesh's general elections.
"We cannot say for sure who carried out the arson attack but it is sabotage for sure," he told reporters.
The official went on to say that those responsible for the attack would be punished under the law. "Such behaviour towards common people, children and women are inhumane."
According to the Dhaka Tribune, he also stated that the perpetrators may have disguised themselves as passengers.
Furthermore, Ashraf Hossain, sub-inspector of Dhaka Railway Police Station, stated that around 9:07 p.m., they received a fire report from the emergency service number.
However, police officials are still concerned that people may be trapped inside the train, according to the Dhaka Tribune.
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