Rajshahi, Nov 17 (V7N)- A sit-in program and memorandum submission were held demanding the resumption of the Uttara Express train on the Rajshahi-Parbatipur route. The memorandum was handed over to the Ministry of Railways through the General Manager of the Western Region Railways at the regional headquarters in Rajshahi at 11 AM on Sunday.

Prior to the submission, a one-hour sit-in demonstration was held in front of the railway building, with participation from various civil society representatives, journalists, and activists.

 
Prominent speakers included:
- Golam Mostafa Mamun , General Secretary of Rajshahi District CAB
- Akbarul Hasan Millat , Adviser of Rajshahi Raksha Sangram Parishad and Editor of Daily Sonar Desh
- Sh M Saju , President of Rajshahi Press Club
- Jamat Khan , General Secretary of Rajshahi Raksha Sangram Parishad
- Ziaul Gani Salim , Organizing Secretary of BAPA Rajshahi
- Mahmudul Alam , General Secretary of Rajshahi Zilla Sujon
- Anjuman Ara Lipi , President of Rajshahi Web
- Mahmud Hossain , Former Principal of Rajshahi Survey Institute
- Golam Nabi Roni , Organizing Secretary of Rajshahi Business Union Council
- Selina Begum , Chairman of Women Industrial Entrepreneurs
- Mehdi Hasan , Social Worker

 
The speakers highlighted the importance of the Uttara Express for the people of Rajshahi and adjoining areas. They stated that the train provided vital connectivity for students, businesspeople, patients, and employees, ensuring access to essential services.

They criticized the decision to halt the train, which has caused significant inconvenience to passengers who depended on its regular stops at various stations. They demanded:
1. Immediate resumption of Uttara Express services to alleviate passenger difficulties.
2. Investigation and legal action against irregularities and corruption in the railway sector.
3. Improvement of overall railway services and resolution of mismanagement issues.

The speakers warned of stricter protests if the train services were not resumed within 15 days.

 
Mamunul Islam, General Manager (GM) of Railways Western Region, assured the delegation of taking necessary steps to address the demand. Chief Engineer Asadul Haque and other officials were also present during the meeting.

 
The Uttara Express, along with another local train, was halted on December 22, 2023, during political unrest due to security concerns. The then GM of Railway Western Zone, Asim Kumar Talukder, stated that the suspension was necessary to avoid vandalism and to allocate resources for intercity trains.

The recent sit-in and memorandum submission reflect growing public frustration over the prolonged suspension of this essential service.

END/RA/AJ