'Decision to restore rail link soon'

Railway Secretary Md Firoz Salahuddin visited Mogholhat Railway Station on Monday to examine the feasibility of restoring rail communication on Lalmonirhat-Mogholhat route in Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila.

“Decision on restoring train communication on the route will be taken soon,” the secretary said, adding that the route connects Bangladesh with India.

Railway sources said the 9-km railway route was closed down in 1996 giving shortage of passengers as the reason. The route also connected with India's Cooch Behar and Assam till 1988 when the connectivity was stopped by India.

“When train communication on the route was normal our area was developed and we used it for communicating with the district,” said freedom fighter Afzal Hossain, 65, of Mogholhat village.

“Till 1988, two trains used to come to Mogholhat station from Assam every day. Coal, fruits and other imported goods were brought to Bangladesh from India,” said Nazrul Islam, 75, a villager.

Faroque Hossain, 53, of Mogholhat said, “Many illegal structures were built on railway land along the route due to negligence of railway officials, and some people stole the lines and stones,” adding that they are happy to hear that the route will be restored soon.

Divisional Railway Manager Mohammad Nazmul Islam said, “The authorities concerned should take steps for restoring the route as it will play a vital role in the communication and socio-economic sectors in the area.”