Garment Worker Killed in Tragic Netrokona Train Accident

A 22-year-old garment worker, Muhid Khan Rifat, was killed after being struck by a train in Netrokona town in the early hours of Friday, leaving his family and local residents in deep mourning. The fatal incident occurred near the Rajur Bazar railway culvert, where emergency responders and police later began the necessary legal procedures.

Rifat was a resident of Baro Paikura village in Tetulia Union under Mohanganj Upazila of Netrokona. He was the son of Moinul Kabir Khan and had been employed at a garment factory in Dhaka, where he worked to support his family.

According to family members, Rifat had travelled from the capital on the Haor Express after taking leave from work. His journey home was meant to be a reunion with his loved ones after an extended period away. What was expected to be a joyful homecoming instead ended in an unimaginable tragedy.

His maternal uncle, Lilu Morol, said relatives became increasingly anxious when repeated attempts to contact Rifat by mobile phone at dawn went unanswered. As they searched for information through various sources, they learned that a young man had died after being struck by a train near the Rajur Bazar railway culvert in Netrokona town. The family later received confirmation from the Fire Service that the deceased was Rifat.

Khane Alam Khan, Senior Station Officer of the Netrokona Fire Service, said preliminary information suggested that Rifat was run over by a train and was thrown from the railway tracks into a nearby ditch, where he died instantly. Firefighters responded to the scene shortly after receiving the emergency report and assisted in the recovery operation.

Sub-Inspector Md Akamal of Netrokona Model Police Station said the body had been recovered and kept at the scene while the Mohanganj Government Railway Police (GRP) were informed. Once GRP officers arrived, custody of the body would be formally transferred to them. The railway police will be responsible for preparing the inquest report, conducting the investigation and completing all subsequent legal formalities.

Authorities have not yet determined how the incident occurred. Investigators are examining whether Rifat accidentally fell from the moving train or whether another factor contributed to the fatal accident. Officials said witness statements, physical evidence from the scene and other relevant information would be carefully reviewed before any conclusions are reached.

The sudden loss has devastated Rifat’s family. Local residents said he was one of the principal earners in the household, and his death has left his relatives emotionally shattered and facing an uncertain future. Scenes of grief unfolded as family members gathered after receiving confirmation of the tragedy.

Railway accidents continue to claim lives in Bangladesh every year for a variety of reasons, including attempts to board or disembark moving trains, travelling while standing near open doors, trespassing on railway tracks and other forms of unsafe behaviour. Safety experts and transport officials have repeatedly stressed the importance of greater public awareness, stricter adherence to railway safety rules and continued improvements to rail infrastructure and operational safety measures.

Police have stated that the exact circumstances surrounding Rifat’s death will only become clear after the investigation is completed. They added that any further legal action will be taken in accordance with the findings of the inquiry and the applicable laws.