Security of Railways at risk amid manpower crisis, concerns rising
MR Amin, Chattogram
Due to long-standing recruitment complications, the vacancy rate in the Bangladesh Railway Security Force (RNB) has reached 46 percent.
With a severe shortage of manpower, the security system of the country’s key railway lines and stations is gradually becoming vulnerable. On one hand, members are facing deep frustration and dissatisfaction due to manpower shortages; on the other hand, their workload continues to increase.
According to railway sources, a significant number of posts under the approved manpower structure of the RNB have remained vacant for a long time. In the western zone of Bangladesh Railway, out of 1,352 sanctioned posts, only 753 personnel are working, leaving 599 posts vacant. In the eastern zone, out of 1,992 sanctioned posts, 1,061 are filled while 931 posts remain vacant.
The repeated delays in the recruitment process have further intensified the crisis. As a result, existing personnel are being forced to take on additional duties, which is negatively affecting both their performance and morale.
Meanwhile, in 2022, Bangladesh Railway had prepared to recruit RNB personnel and formed two recruitment committees for the two zones. However, the process was suddenly halted citing amendments to recruitment rules, allegedly by vested interests.
A letter signed by the then Deputy Secretary of the Ministry, Abdus Salam, on October 8, 2020, addressed to the Director General stated that the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division had provided its opinion regarding the continuation of recruitment and promotion activities under the Railway Nirapatta Bahini Recruitment Rules 1985. It further instructed that necessary measures be taken in accordance with that opinion.
According to the opinion of the Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry, although the “Railway Nirapatta Bahini Ordinance 1976” was repealed in 2016 and replaced by the “Railway Nirapatta Bahini Act, 2016,” the rules framed under the earlier ordinance would remain in force as long as they are consistent with the provisions of the new law, unless repealed or amended. Therefore, there is no legal barrier to continuing activities under the 1985 Rules.
It was also stated that, to avoid any legal vacuum in the changing context, the rules framed under the repealed ordinance have been preserved as a temporary arrangement under Section 23(2)(d) of the 2016 Act. For this reason, it is considered appropriate to formulate new rules under the 2016 Act as soon as possible, replacing the 1985 Rules.
The opinion was signed on September 18, 2020, by then Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq MP, along with senior officials of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division.
Stakeholders say that the current government has undertaken various initiatives to modernize the railway system. However, unless the vacant posts in the railway security force are filled promptly, risks to passenger safety will persist. Due to administrative complexities, policy changes, and prolonged procedural delays, timely recruitment of new personnel has not been possible.
Meanwhile, security risks at passenger trains and railway stations are reportedly increasing due to manpower shortages. Where a sufficient number of personnel are required, limited staff are being forced to perform duties, making it difficult to prevent crimes such as theft and snatching.
Several RNB members, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they have been working with excessive workload for a long time. Due to lack of adequate rest, many are suffering from physical and mental stress.
When contacted, Railway Ministry Secretary Mohammad Fahimul Islam acknowledged the manpower shortage in the Railway Security Force (RNB). He said the recruitment process is ongoing and has been sent to the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC). Once approval is received, further steps will be taken. He also expressed hope that the recruitment notice would be published soon.
Meanwhile, Chief Commandants of the Eastern and Western zones of the Railway Security Force, Md. Zahirul Islam and Md. Ashabul Islam, said that with more than 46 percent of posts vacant, performing duties has become extremely difficult. In many cases where four personnel are required, only two are being deployed. Due to the vast scope of railway operations, staff are facing multiple challenges in carrying out their responsibilities. They stressed the urgent need to complete the recruitment process to overcome the crisis.
