State minister for railways Habibur Rashid today spoke to journalists after inspecting the place of occurrence at Paduar Bazar area of Sadar Dakshin upazila in Cumilla. Photo: BSS

CUMILLA, Mar 22, 2026(BSS)-After visiting the site of a deadly bus-train collision here, state minister for railways Habibur Rashid today said no form of negligence of duty in the railway sector will be tolerated.

 The government has taken both immediate and long-term measures to prevent such incidents in the future; he said this while talking to the journalists after inspecting the place of occurrence in Paduar Bazar area of Sadar Dakshin upazila. 

He, later, visited Cumilla Medical College Hospital to see the injured victims and families of those who were killed in the accident.

The state minister announced two key decisions following the tragic accident. These are- construction of underpasses or overpasses at all major railway crossings across the country and gradual introduction of automated signaling systems at existing level crossings.

He explained that these systems will ensure gates close automatically before a train approaches and additional guards will be deployed to enhance safety.

The state minister also noted that the Prime Minister has already issued directives on the matter and relevant authorities will begin implement promptly.

Regarding the cause of the accident, the state minister said preliminary investigations indicate negligence. The incident was primarily caused by the failure of two gatekeepers, who have already been suspended. 

The station master will also be held accountable and face necessary disciplinary action, he said, adding that two investigation committees-one departmental and another of zonal level have been formed to determine the exact cause of the accident. 

Stern action would be taken against those found responsible based on their findings.

The state minister also stated that the district administration has provided an initial financial assistance of 25,000 taka to each victim's family and Bangladesh Railway will provide taka one lakh in compensation to each deceased person's family

He added that authorities are closely monitoring the treatment of the injured and ensuring proper medical care.

A Dhaka-bound "Chattogram Mail" train collided head-on with a Lakshmipur-bound bus at Paduar Bazar level crossing on the Dhaka-Chattogram railway route. 

At least 12 people were killed on the spot and several others were injured.