Rail communication on three major southern routes of Bangladesh was suspended for 12 hours after two coaches of the Dhaka-Khulna-bound Jehanabad Express derailed near Bhanga Bamankanda Junction in Faridpur on Friday night.

The derailment occurred around 9:10 pm due to a wrong signal reportedly given by a point man. No fatalities were reported, but 600–700 passengers suffered minor injuries or trauma during the incident, according to officials.

Train services on the Dhaka-Khulna, Dhaka-Benapole, and Dhaka-Rajbari routes via the Padma Bridge came to a halt, disrupting travel across the region.

More than 100 railway personnel, along with two relief trains and cranes from Rajbari and Khulna, began rescue operations early Saturday to remove the derailed coaches. Authorities expect rail operations to resume by noon.

Pakshi Divisional Transport Officer Hasina Khatun confirmed the derailment and said pointman Nazrul Islam had been suspended for changing the signal without official clearance. 

A three-member inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the incident.

Bhanga Junction Assistant Station Master Suman Baroi and local police confirmed that stranded passengers left the area using alternative transport during the night.

Authorities are working to restore normal service as soon as possible.

SMS/