Arson attack damages rail tracks in Brahmanbaria; pickup torched in Ashulia

Two separate arson attacks took place in Brahmanbaria and Ashulia within the span of 24 hours, targeting the Dhaka–Chattogram railway line and a parked pickup truck. No casualties were reported in either incident, though both caused disruption and raised concerns over public safety.

Unidentified miscreants set fire to the railway track in front of Bhatshala Railway Station on the Dhaka–Chattogram route in Brahmanbaria Sadar upazila around 10:30pm last night (13 November). Tires were ignited and placed on the rail line, apparently to obstruct train movement. As a result, the Chattogram-bound Mohanagar Express arriving from Dhaka was halted for a short time at the Brahmanbaria Railway Station.

Akhaura Railway Police Station Officer-in-Charge SM Shafiqul Islam said police rushed to the spot upon receiving information and extinguished the fire, preventing a major accident. A day earlier, on 12 November, miscreants had also set fire to the Dhaka–Chattogram rail track in the Dublar area of the same upazila.

In another incident early today (14 November), arsonists set fire to a pickup truck parked beside the Baipail–Abdullahpur road in Ashulia's Sarkar Market area. According to witnesses and officials of the Jirabo Modern Fire Service and Civil Defence Station, two men arrived on a motorcycle around 4:30am, poured petrol on the driver's cabin, and set it ablaze.

Local residents attempted to douse the flames before firefighters arrived. A fire service unit reached the spot and brought the situation under control. The vehicle's engine and front section were severely damaged, confirmed Senior Station Officer Abu Sayem Masum.

Authorities are investigating both incidents, which occurred amid rising concerns over acts of sabotage targeting infrastructure and public property.