In the aftermath of the tragic collision between a bus and a train at a railway crossing in Comilla, the families of the twelve individuals who lost their lives will each receive BDT 100,000 in compensation from the railway authorities, confirmed Rail Minister Habibur Rashid.
The minister made the announcement during a visit to the accident site at Paduar Bazar railway crossing on the Dhaka–Chattogram highway on Sunday at noon.
“Each family of the deceased will receive BDT 100,000 from the railway,” said Minister Rashid. “Additionally, the Comilla district administration will provide BDT 25,000 to the families of the deceased and BDT 15,000 to those injured. The government will cover all medical expenses for the injured.”
He further stated that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been monitoring the situation closely and has instructed the Health Minister to ensure that those requiring treatment in Dhaka receive appropriate assistance.
Minister Rashid emphasised that individuals whose negligence contributed to the accident will face disciplinary action following the conclusion of an official investigation. “The railway authority has already identified lapses by two personnel and they have been dismissed,” he added.
Looking ahead, the government is considering measures to improve safety at unguarded railway crossings, including the construction of overpasses or underpasses to prevent similar incidents.
Earlier in the morning, at around 11 a.m., Mohammad Aminur Rashid, Minister for Fisheries and Livestock, Food and Agriculture, visited the site. “It appears the crossing gate was open, which led the bus driver onto the railway track, resulting in this unfortunate accident,” he said. He added that the district administration promptly disbursed BDT 25,000 to the families of the deceased to assist them with immediate needs, such as transporting the bodies.
Compensation Overview
| Category | Amount (BDT) | Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Families of deceased | 100,000 | Railway Authority |
| Families of deceased (additional) | 25,000 | Comilla District Administration |
| Injured individuals | 15,000 | Comilla District Administration |
| Medical treatment for injured | Full coverage | Government |
The incident has sparked renewed calls for improved safety measures at railway crossings nationwide. Authorities are under pressure to implement long-term solutions to prevent similar tragedies, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades and stricter enforcement of safety protocols.