Train passengers advised to buy tickets from official app, counters to avoid fraud

Bangladesh Railway authorities and the Ministry of Railways have advised passengers to purchase train tickets for the upcoming Eid journeys only through its designated app or directly from ticket counters to avoid potential harassment and fraud.

Ticket sales for Eid-special trains began on 14 March. Due to high demand, some unscrupulous parties may engage in ticket scalping, illegally reselling tickets purchased using multiple IDs, the railways ministry said in a press release today.

This could result in passenger harassment and fraud, the ministry warned.

According to the press release, for the Eid journey, which spans from 24-30 March, a maximum of four tickets can be purchased at a time using a single ID, with the names of travel companions also included.

Similarly, the same rule applies for the return journey, which runs from 3-9 April.

In line with Bangladesh Railway's rules, the person whose ID is used for purchasing tickets must travel with the corresponding mobile phone and a valid ID card containing a photo of the ID holder.

Only the ID holder and their listed companions may travel using the tickets.

"Any attempt to travel using a ticket purchased under someone else's name will result in legal action according to Bangladesh Railway's regulations," the press release added.

It further said passengers who face fraudulent activities or black-market operators selling tickets under false IDs were urged to report the incident to law enforcement or inform Bangladesh Railway officials.

They can also seek assistance from the Railway Police and Government Railway Police or complain to Bangladesh Railway's hotline at 131.

The identity of complainants will be kept confidential, the release added.