Start Dhaka-Tangal direct train service

Residents of the district formed a human chain at Gharinda Rail Station yesterday, demanding introduction of Dhaka-Tangail commuter train service as per direction of the prime minister.

Leaders and activists of political parties, professionals, representatives of socio-cultural organisations, students and others joined the demonstration organised by Dhaka-Tangail Direct Train Service Implementation Committee.

The district people have been continuing their agitation for direct train service with the capital as they face untold sufferings to travel only 100 kilometres due to inadequate bus service and regular traffic congestion on Dhaka-Tangail Highway.

They have been observing various programmes -- mass signature campaign, human chain, rally and sit-in -- for the last two years to realise their longstanding demand.

Several thousand people, including service holders, traders and students, travel to the capital for different purposes every day.

Although about two dozen trains ply the route, only a few of them stop for a few minutes at Tangail rail station, with only 120 seats for several thousand passengers, the speakers said.

A direct train service, which will start from Tangail for Dhaka at 6:30am, and from Dhaka for Tangail at 6:00pm, is needed urgently.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, at a public meeting in Tangail on June 30 in 2012, said Dhaka-Tangail commuter train service would be introduced. A letter was also sent immediately from her office to the railway ministry in this regard, they said.

The PM's commitment has not been implemented even after six years, although all necessary facilities are available to start the service, the speakers added.

The speakers also threatened of tougher movement, including blockade of the train route, if the demand is not meet before Eid-ul-Azha.

Among others, Sayeed Mohammad Lutfullah and Sazzad Khoshnobish, convenor and member-secretary of Dhaka-Tangail Train Service Implementation Committee, cultural and business personalities Harun-or-Rashid and Mostofa Kamal Labu, local AL leader Meher Nigar, local BNP leader Rashedul Alam, MA Rouf, Shafiul Alam, Akibur Rahman Iqbal, Sammo Rahman and Shahin Chakladar, spoke on the occasion.