The ‘Bijoy Express’ intercity train, which runs between Jamalpur and Chattogram, carries several times more passengers daily than its designated seating capacity. Serious allegations have emerged that a large number of passengers—many of whom board at Gouripur Junction in Mymensingh—are traveling without tickets. This is reportedly happening in collusion with certain dishonest railway officials and staff, including the train’s own attendants. The fares collected from these passengers are not being deposited into the government exchequer; instead, they end up in the pockets of this corrupt network, causing a significant daily loss of government revenue.

This pattern of corruption and irregularity was recently uncovered through an investigation by journalists. The investigation revealed that the Bijoy Express, departing from Jamalpur, passes through Gouripur Junction on its way to Chattogram. Every day, approximately 500 people from various parts of the Mymensingh and Netrokona districts board the train at Gouripur Junction, traveling to destinations such as Chattogram, Laksam, and Feni. Most of these individuals bypass the ticket counters, opting instead to strike a deal with the on-duty train attendants to travel without a ticket for a lower fare. These ticketless passengers are crammed into the train’s prayer area, the dining car, and the open spaces near the carriage doors.

Upon reaching their destination, these passengers are skillfully guided past the station gates to ensure they exit safely without being detected. Allegations suggest that this extensive illicit operation involves not only the train attendants but also—directly or indirectly—Ticket Examiners (TTEs), the Government Railway Police (GRP), the Railway Security Force (RNB), and local syndicates of touts operating at each station. When asked about this, Mohammad Farid, manager of the intercity ‘Bijoy Express’ train, stated, “There is no provision for carrying passengers without tickets. I have been on leave for the past week and only returned today. I am currently looking into the allegations that train staff have been accepting money to transport passengers without tickets.”

Sohel Chowdhury, the TTE (Train Ticket Examiner) in-charge at Mymensingh, pointed to a staff shortage, explaining, “Our TTEs work in separate groups. One group operates between Jamalpur and Mymensingh, and from Mymensingh to Kishoreganj. Beyond Kishoreganj, there are separate groups covering the routes to Akhaura, Laksam, and Chattogram. If a passenger manages to evade one group, they should ideally be caught by the next. However, we do face a staff shortage, which sometimes makes it difficult to maintain constant oversight. Nevertheless, we will treat these allegations with the seriousness they deserve.” Ataur Rahman, the station master at Gouripur Junction, said, “We do not have dedicated TCs (Ticket Collectors) or TTEs stationed here.

However, in light of these complaints, we are arranging for ticket checks on the ‘Bijoy Express,’ and appropriate action will be taken against any unauthorized passengers.” Akhtar Hossain, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of the Mymensingh GRP (Government Railway Police) station, remarked, “We brief our police personnel daily before they begin their shifts. There is no scope for any police officer to exploit the situation for personal gain. If any of our personnel are found to be involved in the transport of unauthorized passengers, strict departmental action will be taken against them.”

Meanwhile, Abdul Malek, the in-charge of the Railway Security Force (RNB) at Gouripur Junction, sidestepped the issue. He declined to provide any direct comment over the phone, stating, “The authority to oversee station operations lies with the station master. As for security-related matters, I would be happy to discuss them in detail if you visit my office.”