Rail links hit by strike

The capital's rail links with the port city of Chittagong and the northeastern town of Sylhet were disrupted on Monday morning after supporters of Hifazat-e-Islam blocked rail tracks with logs in Brahmanbaria town during their nationwide whole-day strike.

Brandishing sticks, Hifazat supporters blocked a Sylhet-bound (from Dhaka) ‘Parabat Express’ around 9:00am, Brahmanbaria Police Superintendent Mohammad Moniruzzaman said.

Five people were reportedly injured during the scuffle.

“Later they (Hifazat supporters) blocked rail tracks with logs and slippers. Dhaka-Chittaong and Dhaka-Sylhet rail links were suspended since then,” the SP said.

Railway authorities reportedly halted some trains amidst the chaos.

Hifazat-e-Islam called the shutdown protesting what they said obstruction during their Saturday rally.