Ishwardi demands stopover for new Dhaka train

A human chain and rally were held in Ishwardi, Pabna on Thursday, demanding a stepover at the Ishwardi Junction Station for the newly proposed Pabna-Dhaka-Pabna inter-city express train. The demonstration was organized by ‘Ishwardi Combined Citizens’ Alliance.’

People from all walks of life participated in this event to express solidarity. The event took place in front of Paksey Divisional Railway Manager office. 

The alliance's Convenor Mahbubur Rahman Palash presided over the rally, while Member Secretary Ashikur Rahman Lulu moderated it. Among others, Ishwardi Literary and Cultural Council Vice-President Zahidul Alam Sonu, politician Ataur Rahman Pata, Paksey Railway Sramik and Karmachari Dal Secretary Khondakar Sohel Rana, and Chamber of Commerce Executive Member Akram Raihan Babu spoke at the event.

The speakers noted that the railway authorities are preparing to launch a new inter-city express train connecting Pabna to Dhaka this August, as announced by Railways Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam during a press briefing on June 20. However, they expressed concern over reported plans to route the train by bypassing Ishwardi Junction.

‘If the train does not stop at Ishwardi, Bangladesh Railway will lose a massive amount of revenue and passengers. Moreover, over a hundred thousand residents of Ishwardi and neighboring areas will be deprived of their right to railway transport,’ the speakers argued.

They warned of launching a tougher movement in coordination with local citizens if their demands are ignored.

-KMH/SA