Dhaka: At least 15 trains carrying several thousand passengers evaded major accidents following theft of some 3,500 metal clips of a major railway track in the Bangladesh capital with officials saying it could be an act of "sabotage."

"We do not rule out that it could be an act of sabotage," Bangladesh Railway's Director General Belayet Hossain said, a day after the clips, which fasten the railway with the sleepers, were found removed.

Hossain said police and railway department investigations were launched simultaneously after the first such incident of "theft or sabotage," when the huge quantity of clips weighing about three tonnes were removed overnight from the track between Banani and Cantonment stations in the city.

Train services between Dhaka and the rest of the country was suspended for nearly two hours after the intercity Teesta Express faced trouble in passing the stretch yesterday and subsequently railway authorities were informed.

He said 15 trains had crossed the stretch before it could be detected in the morning but no untoward incident took place.

Bangladesh Railway's Chief Engineer Mohammad Abul Kashem said in similar incidents earlier, thieves stole a few clips so that accidents do not occur immediately.

"But this time, no such consideration was given, which forces us to think that it may be an act of sabotage," he said.

The New Age newspaper reported that despite being an affair of the railway, army was asked to investigate the matter as the incident took place near the cantonment.
Source : PTI