Mongla, July 8 (V7N) - Civic groups and residents of Mongla held a peaceful human chain and rally on Tuesday morning, calling for the urgent launch of two intercity trains on the Mongla–Dhaka and Dhaka–Mongla routes. A memorandum was also submitted to the Advisor of the Ministry of Railways through the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO).


The demonstration, organized under the banner of “Amra Monglabashi” (We, the People of Mongla), took place at the Mongla Municipal Market premises. The rally was presided over by Mohammad Nur Alam Sheikh, a prominent environmental activist and president of the Mongla Civil Society.

Former Mayor of Mongla Port Municipality and BNP Municipal Convenor Mohammad Zulfiqar Ali attended the rally as chief guest. Other speakers included Mohammad Habib Master, President of Mongla Port Business Association; Ahsan Habib Hasan, President of Mongla Press Club; former municipal councillor Abdur Kader; tourism entrepreneur Anisur Rahman; Sundarbans Tour Operators’ Association member Emadul Howlader; and Majhimalla Union President Delwar Hossain.

Speakers emphasized that Mongla is emerging as a hub of strategic national and international importance due to its sea port, export processing zones (EPZs), special economic zones (SEZs), industrial development, and proximity to the Sundarbans — a UNESCO World Heritage site and major tourist destination. Despite this, Mongla still lacks a direct intercity rail link to Dhaka, the capital city.

They pointed out that trade through Mongla Port is expanding rapidly, and the development of SEZs, industrial parks, and tourism further highlights the need for modern, reliable railway connectivity. The proposed intercity trains would significantly enhance mobility for traders, workers, tourists, and residents, and would strengthen economic and regional integration.

Former mayor Zulfiqar Ali noted in his remarks, “If an intercity train is introduced between Mongla and Dhaka, it will accelerate port-dependent business and trade, contributing significantly to the national economy.”

In his presidential speech, environmentalist Nur Alam Sheikh urged the government to act immediately to introduce the intercity service, saying, “The implementation of this demand will enhance regional connectivity and support the government’s policy of balanced development across the country.”

Following the rally, a memorandum outlining the community’s demands was formally submitted to the Advisor of the Ministry of Railways via the Upazila Nirbahi Officer.

Background & Context:
Mongla, located in Bagerhat district of southwestern Bangladesh, is the country’s second largest seaport and is rapidly developing as a center for trade, tourism, and industrial growth. Despite recent infrastructure improvements, including road connectivity and port expansion, railway access remains limited. The nearest rail station currently offers no direct intercity service to Dhaka, limiting access for travelers, traders, and tourists alike.

Impact:
Residents and stakeholders believe that launching the Mongla–Dhaka intercity train service would enhance logistics efficiency, create employment, boost tourism in the Sundarbans area, and reduce travel time and cost for locals. Business leaders and civil society see this as a long-overdue move for balanced national development.

The submitted memorandum will now be reviewed by the Ministry of Railways. Organizers have indicated that if no progress is seen, further civic actions may follow to ensure their voices are heard at the national level.

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