Bapa demands removal of rail minister

Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (Bapa) yesterday demanded that the government remove the railways minister and some officials of the ministry for their "indifference that caused a train derailment in Boalkhali which spilled oil into a canal."

Dr Abdul Matin, general secretary of Bapa, also demanded punishment for the officials of the ministry responsible for the accident.

He was addressing a press conference at Dhaka Reporters' Unity organised demanding a stop to river and sea pollution caused by oil spillage and evaluation of bridges on railway and highway.

On June 19, a train carrying furnace oil derailed and three of its wagons fell into a canal when a bridge gave away in Khitabchar of Boalkhali.  

"We are facing the consequences of irresponsible ministries like the railways ministry," said Matin, adding that the bridge had been in a bad condition for years but the ministry took no measures. 

Citing media reports, Matin said oil from the wagons spread to adjacent areas and to the river Karnaphuli.

Noted columnist Syed Abul Maksud said there is risk of the oil spreading to the Halda, a major breeding ground for sweet-water fish. If the oil reaches Halda, a large number of fishes would be killed, he added.