Dhaka, Jan 28 (V7N) — Train services across Bangladesh have been suspended since midnight due to a strike by the Bangladesh Railway running staff. In response, the railway authorities have introduced BRTC bus services to ensure passenger transportation on major routes as an alternative.

Rezaul Karim Siddiqui, Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Railways, announced the development on Tuesday morning through a text message.

The notification stated, “Due to the strike of Bangladesh Railway running staff, rail communication is disrupted across the country. In this situation, BRTC bus services have been launched on key rail routes to facilitate passenger travel.”

Passengers traveling to destinations such as Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Khulna, Comilla, Bogra, and Mymensingh from Dhaka Railway Station and Biman Bandar Railway Station can now use their train tickets for the BRTC bus service. The same arrangement applies for return journeys to Dhaka. This temporary service will remain in operation until further notice.

The strike, organized by the Bangladesh Railway Running Staff Employees Union, began on Tuesday night. It involves guards, locomasters, assistant locomasters, sub locomasters, and TTEs. Their pre-announced program has resulted in the suspension of train services nationwide, causing significant disruptions to rail operations.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have urged passengers to cooperate during this period. Further updates are expected as negotiations continue.

END/MSS/AJ