Run-down rly quarters in Lalmonirhat pose fatal risks for residents

Several hundred families from different professions are living in ramshackle railway quarters across the Lalmonirhat Railway Division, despite the risks to their safety.

Most of the families are not railway employees and have taken up residence in buildings that were constructed during the British colonial era with bricks and lime-Surki.

During the British period, non-Bengali railway officers used to live in those houses. After the independence, the quarters were allotted to Bengali officers and employees, but many of the residential establishments were already shaky and old.

While some of the buildings were renovated subsequently, others were demolished.

But now all the buildings are no longer fit for use, as the railway authority has declared them abandoned.

However, low-income families such as rickshaw pullers, day wagers, and restaurant crews continue to live in these quarters, ignoring the authority's orders to vacate the premises.

This poses a significant threat to their lives, especially during an earthquake or any other natural calamity.

The railway quarters are located in several areas of the district, including Babu Para, Shaheb Para, Thana Para, Store Para, Wireless Colony, and the railway hospital. Many of these buildings are badly damaged, which could collapse at any moment.

According to sources at the Bangladesh Railway (BR) Lalmonirhat divisional headquarters, there are around 1,000 old residential buildings in the Lalmonirhat division, most of which have been declared abandoned.

Despite repeated attempts by the authorities to evict the residents, political reasons have hindered their efforts.

Rejaul Karim Shopon, mayor of Lalmonirhat municipality, has acknowledged the dangerous condition of the buildings and urged residents to evacuate the premises.

However, many families like Anowara Begum's, who live in an abandoned quarter and work as day labourers, say they have nowhere else to go.Md Abdus Salam, divisional railway manager (DRM) Lalmonirhat, said that they have served notices to the residents to vacate the buildings several times. The higher authorities have also been informed about the situation.

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