A fuel train derailment in Habiganj has disrupted Bangladesh’s energy supply chain, halting rail connectivity between Sylhet and the rest of the country and raising concerns over fuel transport reliability.
The incident occurred late Wednesday night near Mantala Railway Station in Madhabpur upazila, when a Chattogram-bound oil train carrying petroleum products derailed. At least one fuel waggon fell into a roadside ditch, although no casualties were reported.
The derailment has significantly affected both passenger and freight movement on the Sylhet-Dhaka and Sylhet-Chattogram routes, which are key corridors for transporting fuel and essential commodities.
Railway officials said recovery operations are ongoing, but progress has been gradual. As of Thursday morning, only two derailed waggons had been salvaged, according to Mantala Railway Station Master Ataur Rahman Khadem. Authorities have not yet confirmed when full services will resume.
The incident has raised immediate concerns over fuel supply logistics, as rail transport remains a critical channel for distributing petroleum products across regions.
Following the derailment, some locals attempted to collect fuel from the damaged waggons, prompting swift intervention by law enforcement agencies. Members of Border Guard Bangladesh secured the area and prevented further loss.
Lt Col Tanzilur Rahman, commander of BGB’s 55th Battalion in Habiganj, said nearly 1,000 litres of fuel have been recovered so far, with additional measures taken to prevent leakage and environmental damage.
Emergency teams, including the fire service and railway authorities, continue to work to clear the tracks and safely manage the remaining fuel cargo.
Energy analysts say the incident highlights vulnerabilities in Bangladesh’s fuel transport infrastructure, particularly the reliance on rail networks for bulk petroleum distribution. Such disruptions can affect supply stability and increase logistical pressure.
The derailment comes at a time when Bangladesh is working to strengthen energy security amid global market uncertainty, making uninterrupted fuel transport a key priority.
Authorities said restoring rail connectivity and securing the fuel cargo remain immediate priorities as efforts continue to stabilise supply and minimise broader impact.
