Pabna, Feb 10, (V7N) - A train traveling from Dhalarchar to Chapainawabganj via Rajshahi unexpectedly broke down on the tracks, stranding passengers for over three and a half hours. With no station or shops in sight, passengers and train staff, particularly the elderly and children, became restless due to hunger and thirst. In a remarkable show of humanity, local residents from the Sathi Upazila's Tantibandh area came to the rescue, offering food and water to the stranded passengers.
 
 
The incident occurred on Sunday, February 9, around 11 AM, after the engine of the train broke down near Rajapur station in Sathi. The train had left Dhalarchar at 7 AM and was heading toward Chapainawabganj when the breakdown occurred at 8:05 AM. A replacement engine from Ishwardi arrived only at 11:40 AM, taking over three hours to fix the issue.
 
 
During the wait, there were no shops or nearby stations, and passengers, along with the train staff, grew increasingly hungry and thirsty. As the situation became critical, local residents from nearby houses brought whatever food they had at home—rice and dal, khichuri, roti and vegetables, and water—to help relieve the passengers' suffering. Special care was taken to provide for the children and elderly.
 
TTI Abdul Alim Mithu, who was on the train, expressed his amazement at the selflessness of the local community. "I have never witnessed such a humanitarian example," he said. "These people, who seemed to be living hand to mouth, came forward to assist the passengers in distress. It was a true demonstration of how warm and hospitable the people of Pabna are."
 
 
Abed Ali, a resident of Tantibandh village, shared his experience, saying, "When I saw the train stranded for so long, I noticed many people were in need of food and water. There were no shops around, so I called on the community to bring food and water to the train."
 
Halima Khatun, a housewife from the area, added, "It was heart-wrenching to see people suffering. I went home, grabbed some rice and dal, and brought it to the passengers. It made me feel good to help, and I'm happy I could do my part."
 
This heartwarming incident not only provided relief to the passengers but also showcased the strong sense of community and compassion that exists in the people of Pabna.
 
END/SR/SMA/