BNP leader faces criticism after altercation with railway staff over smoking on train

Photo Collected

A+ A A-

A senior official from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Chittagong has sparked public criticism after a video surfaced on social media showing him engaged in a heated confrontation with railway staff over smoking on a train.

Idris Miah, convener of the BNP’s Chittagong South District unit, was captured in the footage standing near the carriage door of the Dhaka-bound Chattala Express as it passed through the Brahmanbaria area on Wednesday night. In the video, a railway worker approaches Miah to inform him that smoking is prohibited on the train. Miah is seen challenging the official, admitting he was aware of the rules but insisting on his right to smoke near the door and suggesting the worker impose a fine if he felt the regulations were being breached.

When reached for comment by the newspaper Prothom Alo, Miah confirmed he was traveling from Dhaka to Chittagong when the altercation took place. He alleged that the railway worker had used “poor conduct” when addressing him, arguing that other passengers had also been smoking in the area. Miah stated that he eventually complied with the request and refrained from lighting the cigarette after the interaction.

Rights Group Demands Investigation Into Alleged Custodial Disappearance of Mongla Resident

Read More

Under existing regulations, smoking is strictly prohibited on passenger trains in Bangladesh. The incident has drawn attention to enforcement standards, as railway authorities maintain the right to take legal action against individuals found violating safety and conduct protocols while on board.