DHAKA: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked the authorities concerned to build barbed wire fences by evicting slams and illegal structures beside rail-line.

The premier, also ruling Awami League president, was addressing railway officials during her visit to the ministry on Thursday.

She said that the rail-tracks would be freed from the grabbers. The illegal structures make the train speed slow and apart from this, they cause accidents.

Sheikh Hasina added: “We should provide safety at any cost. Barbed wire fence should be built, if it is necessary.”

Asking the authorities concerned to take necessary steps in ensuring safety, the premier said modern technology should be introduced.

She mentioned that the use of metal detector and web camera aiming to monitor the security measures.

She also put importance on strengthening the railway police and involving common people as a part of community policing to guarantee security and safety.

The PM expected that the rail treks will be expanded to the southern region of the country.

She also asked to expand the dual gauge rail network across the country.

Hasina further ordered to increase the number of commuter trains between Dhaka and its neighboring districts so that people can easily come to and go from the city within 2 or 3 hours.

Railway Minister Mujibul Haque and acting railways secretary Mansur Ali Shikdar, among others, were present at the meeting.

BDST: 1705 HRS, OCT 23, 2014