5 killed in fatal Bangladesh train fire ahead of polls, police suspect arson

Five people were killed in Bangladesh on Friday after a passenger train caught fire, with police suspecting an arson attack related to the unrest ahead of this Sunday’s national elections that are being boycotted by the opposition.

Bodies recovered, rescue efforts underway

Fire service officer Rakjibul Hasan said at least four coaches on the Benapole Express, traveling to the capital Dhaka from the western city Jessore, erupted in flames.

#WATCH | A passenger train was set on fire in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka yesterday (January 5) ahead of the country's general election this weekend.

At least four people died aboard the intercity train, reports Reuters quoting local newspaper Dhaka Tribune.

(Source: Reuters) pic.twitter.com/FoFZVsqZ6u

— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2024

"We have recovered five bodies," police commander Khandaker Al Moin told reporters at the scene. The fire occurred at Gopibagh station in old Dhaka near the megacity's main terminal.

Witnesses describe chaotic scene

Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as hundreds rushed to pull people from the burning train cars. "We rescued many. But the fire spread quickly," one rescuer told local broadcaster Somoy TV. Some Indian citizens were also reportedly traveling on the train.

Police suspect act of arson 

"We suspect the fire incident was an act of sabotage," police chief Anwar Hossain told media, without providing evidence. Authorities have blamed similar incidents on the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), accusations they firmly reject.

Elections Proceeding Amid Opposition Boycott

The allegations come ahead of long-awaited elections on Sunday that the BNP and dozens of other parties are boycotting after describing the vote as rigged in favor of the ruling party. The boycott accompanies mass arrests of opposition activists in recent weeks during protests demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation.