A daring armed robbery occurred late on Wednesday night aboard the Haor Express, which operates on the Dhaka–Mohanpur route, leaving passengers in shock. According to reports, the attackers were confronted by courageous passengers, who managed to subdue two of them and hand them over to railway police.
The Haor Express had departed from Dhaka’s Kamalapur Railway Station at 10:00 pm, bound for Mohanpur. After a scheduled stop at Mymensingh Railway Junction, the train resumed its journey. It was shortly thereafter that members of a gang, disguised to avoid detection, boarded the ‘ঞ’ carriage. Once aboard, they brandished weapons, threatening passengers and forcibly seizing valuables.
Passengers from the carriage, including Ratan Mia of Tetulia in Mohanpur, Sarwar Mia of Khaliakur, and Anoy Bishwosharma of Barhatta, reported that the robbers had stolen gold jewellery, mobile phones, handbags, and cash. “At first, we were terrified,” said Ratan Mia. “But several of us quickly coordinated a counterattack, overwhelming two of the intruders. The remaining gang members jumped from the moving train near Gauripur station and escaped.”
The two apprehended suspects have been identified as:
| Name | Parentage / Residence | Age | Items Seized | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azmail Hossain Nijhum | Son of Alomgir Hossain, Kewatkhali, Mymensingh | 30 | 2 large steel knives, 2 mobile phones | Handed over to Mymensingh Railway Police |
| Md. Mehedi Hasan Tanvir | Son of Md. Ruman Mia, Bolashpur, Kewatkhali | 18 | 2 large steel knives, 2 mobile phones | Handed over to Mymensingh Railway Police |
The two suspects were immediately detained and later transferred to the custody of Mymensingh Railway Police for further investigation. Mobarak Hossain, officer-in-charge of Mohanpur Railway Police Outpost, confirmed the arrests on Thursday and reported the recovery of the weapons and mobile phones.
Railway authorities have expressed concern over the incident, describing it as a serious threat to passenger safety on overnight services. In response, the police have promised enhanced patrols and surveillance along the Dhaka–Mohanpur route, particularly during late-night journeys.
This robbery highlights the continuing challenges of ensuring security on long-distance trains, with passengers often becoming the first line of defence. Authorities have urged commuters to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.