Rail Minister Habibur Rashid announced that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the introduction of automatic rail gates across the country. The decision aims to ensure that gates close automatically when trains approach, with guards remaining on duty. The minister made the statement on Sunday afternoon while visiting the site of a train-bus collision at Padua Bazar rail crossing in Comilla.

He added that underpasses or flyovers will be constructed where rail gates exist. Responding to questions about the investigation, the state minister said the station master and gateman had already been suspended for negligence and would face disciplinary action. Two railway investigation committees and one by the local administration have been formed to probe the incident. The district administration announced Tk 25,000 in aid per victim’s family, while the railway will provide Tk 100,000 to each bereaved family. The health minister has been contacted to ensure treatment for the injured.

The accident occurred on Saturday night when a mail train from Chattogram to Dhaka hit a passenger bus at the crossing, killing 12 people and injuring at least 24.