Tourists crowd Lawachara rail line for photos, triggering safety concern

Tourists crowding the railway line that winds through the lush greenery of Lawachara forest to take photos and videos are creating serious safety hazards in Moulvibazar.

The growing tendency to take selfies on railway lines inside Lawachara National Park in Kamalganj upazila has sparked safety concerns, particularly after a fatal accident late last year.

On December 19, 2024, a student was killed after being hit by a train engine while taking a selfie near a level crossing in the Lawachara forest area of Sreemangal-Kamalganj. Railway officials said the engine, travelling from Akhaura towards Sylhet, struck the student, leaving him critically injured. He was later declared dead at a hospital.

Sreemangal Railway Station Master Md Sakhawat Hossain said the incident reflects a growing pattern of risky behaviour among visitors seeking attention on social media. Taking photos while standing on railway tracks or near moving trains has become increasingly common in the forest area.

The risk is heightened by the dense vegetation of Lawachara, which often obstructs visibility along the tracks, making it difficult to detect approaching trains in time.

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“Everyone is taking pictures and making videos. I did not want to be left out,” said Rashed Mahmud, a visitor from Dhaka, admitting that the desire for social media content often outweighs safety concerns.

Tania Sultana, a university student, echoed the sentiment, saying many people feel compelled to take risks for likes and views online.

“If I do not take pictures, it feels like the trip is incomplete,” she said.

Saju Marchiang, a resident of Lawachara Punji, said two years ago, two tourists were injured while taking pictures on the bridge over the Lawachara railway line. They were later rescued with great difficulty.

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“No one even pays heed to the Lawachara railway lineman. Tourists take big risks to take pictures on the railway line. But no picture is bigger than life -- everyone should understand this,” he said.

He added that if awareness is not increased, such accidents will rise.

Nusrat Jahan, another visitor, said taking photos on railway tracks is “completely inappropriate” and called for stronger monitoring. People often think they have enough time before a train arrives, but a moment’s misjudgment can be fatal.

Railway officials said trains often move at high speed and may not produce enough sound to alert people nearby. In addition, strong air pressure from passing trains can cause individuals to lose balance.

Professor Mohammad Jahirul Hoque, vice-chancellor of Metropolitan University and an environmental activist, said that according to railway regulations, tracks are restricted areas, and trespassing is not only unsafe but also illegal.

“Moreover, the setting up of railway tracks in reserved forests violates forest laws, and the movement of trains and other transport through protected forest lands disturbs wildlife,” he added.

He said the unrestricted movement of tourists inside forests, along with trespassing on rail tracks, is not only unsafe but also illegal and irresponsible.

Moulvibazar Superintendent of Police Mohammad Billal Hossain said law enforcement agencies are maintaining vigilance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to discourage risky behaviour and ensure visitor safety.