About 700 railway residential quarters in Lalmonirhat have fallen under illegal occupation, with many turning into hubs for drug activity and theft, raising safety concerns and risking assets worth crores of taka.
The century-old quarters, built during the British era to house railway staff, are now largely abandoned and dilapidated, according to railway sources.
Established in 1930, Lalmonirhat developed as a divisional railway town with over a thousand modern staff quarters in areas including Storepara, Driverpara, Ramkrishna Mor, Babupura, and Sahebpara. Of the existing 910 quarters, nearly 700 are now reportedly occupied illegally. A similar situation prevails across 12 stations along the Lalmonirhat–Burimari rail route.
The buildings, many left without maintenance for decades, have developed severe cracks in roofs and walls. Doors and windows are missing, while vegetation has grown through the brickwork, leaving the structures resembling skeletal ruins.
Locals said outsiders have been living in the risky buildings for nearly four decades, including influential individuals, teachers, traders, and day labourers. Allegations suggest some occupants pay informal monthly rents through collusion with a section of dishonest railway staff, with the money not deposited into the state treasury.
The deteriorating condition has heightened fears of accidents. “Thousands are living in these unsafe structures, and a collapse could cause major casualties,” said Lalmonirhat resident Lutfor Rahman Ripon.
Residents also alleged that the abandoned quarters have become hotspots for drug use and criminal activity. “Snatching incidents occur frequently at night near the road behind the children’s park on railway land,” said BNP Colony resident and rickshaw driver Shafiqul Ismail Munshi. “Criminals gather in these abandoned buildings for drug sessions,” he added.
Reports of theft from the buildings are frequent. Locals said bricks, rods, wood, and window frames are regularly removed, causing losses worth crores of taka to the railway.
A Sahebpara resident, requesting anonymity, said disputes even occur among thieves over stolen materials. “Sometimes, the looted goods are divided among groups, leading to clashes,” the resident said.
Civic representatives warn the situation is also hindering urban development. “These abandoned railway structures are blocking planned development of the municipal town and depriving residents of expected civic facilities,” said local citizen Arifur Rashid.
Confirming the issue, Lalmonirhat Railway Divisional Railway Manager Mohammad Taslim Ahmed Khan said efforts are ongoing to free the occupied properties. “We have informed higher authorities about repairing the damaged quarters,” he said.
He added that steps are expected to be taken to declare unsafe structures abandoned and replace them with new buildings under proper supervision.
