Imagine the sheer desperation of a hardworking young man sprinting after a speeding train just to get paid for his honest labor—it's a gut-wrenching sight that tugs at your heartstrings and begs the question: how can we let this happen in our modern world? | Trending
Updated on: Nov 15, 2025 09:14 am IST
In the bustling heart of Dhaka's railway station in Bangladesh, a determined young porter—known locally as a coolie, someone who helps carry luggage and goods for passengers in exchange for tips—found himself in a heartbreaking predicament. When one passenger callously refused to pay for his services, the coolie didn't give up; instead, he dashed alongside the accelerating train in a bid to catch the rider's attention.
This intense moment was caught on video, painting a vivid picture of the coolie's frantic efforts. You can see him running parallel to the train, shouting and gesturing urgently toward the specific compartment where the passenger sat. Sadly, no one from inside acknowledged his pleas, leaving him exhausted and empty-handed as the train pulled away. For those unfamiliar with the role of coolies, these individuals often work long hours in crowded stations, relying entirely on small payments from travelers to support their families—it's a tough gig that demands resilience in the face of unpredictability.
The footage was shared on Facebook by a user named Sojol Ali, and it quickly captured the sympathy of the person recording, who even offered to help by asking for the coolie's contact details to transfer the money directly. It's moments like these that remind us how a little kindness can go a long way in someone's day.
Our team at HT.com has contacted the poster for additional information to verify the story and provide more context. We'll update this article as soon as we hear back, so stay tuned for any new developments.
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Check out the video here:
But here's where it gets controversial—while most of us would agree the passenger's actions were unfair, some might argue that in the chaos of a busy station, misunderstandings happen. What do you think: is this just a one-off oversight, or a deeper sign of disrespect toward service workers?
Social media reactions:
The clip exploded across social platforms, sparking a wave of emotional responses from viewers who were appalled by the passenger's apparent indifference. Many rallied behind the coolie, applauding his persistence and bravery in the face of rejection, and used the opportunity to stress the importance of treating everyday workers—like porters and vendors—with the dignity they deserve. After all, these folks are the unsung heroes keeping our travels smooth, often under grueling conditions like heavy loads, extreme weather, and long shifts without breaks.
One commenter shared, 'It's heartbreaking to think the unpaid coolie might face divine justice for the passenger's stinginess—may blessings come to the kind soul who stepped in to help by getting his payment info.'
Another viewer poured out their empathy, saying, 'This clip hits hard in the feels; my heart truly goes out to this young guy. If anyone knows how to track him down, let's make sure he gets what he's owed!'
A third person chimed in with a nod to fate: 'What you put out into the world always circles back—karma's got a way of balancing the scales.'
And here's a profound take from someone else: 'In the end, being a decent human trumps everything else. Let's respect everyone, because behind every job is a personal story of hardship and hustle.'
And this is the part most people miss: while the outrage is justified, it also shines a light on systemic issues, like the lack of protections for informal workers in places like Bangladesh's railways. Could better regulations or awareness campaigns prevent these incidents? The story underscores the grueling realities these small-scale service providers endure, where every single fare is crucial for survival, and they frequently navigate hazardous environments just to earn a living.
Numerous online voices labeled the passenger's conduct as downright 'cruel' and 'heartless,' fueling calls for more accountability in how we interact with those who serve us.
Also Read: Passenger lies on luggage rack in Indian Railways coach, internet in disbelief: ‘Bro needs to hesitate’ (https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/passenger-lies-on-luggage-rack-in-indian-railways-coach-internet-in-disbelief-bro-needs-to-hesitate-101752980026997.html)
(Disclaimer: This report draws from user-submitted social media content. HT.com has not independently confirmed the details and does not officially support the claims presented.)
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What about you? Have you ever witnessed or experienced something similar on public transport? Do you think passengers should face consequences for not paying service workers, or is it more about personal ethics? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—we'd love to hear if you agree that this highlights a bigger societal issue or if there's another side to the story!
