Pabna, July 8 (V7N) - A local non-governmental organization, Shekor Pabna Foundation, has accused political leaders of lacking the will to launch a direct train service between Pabna and Dhaka, causing continued travel difficulties for commuters.

During a press conference held on Tuesday (8 July) at the VIP auditorium of Pabna Press Club, representatives of the foundation demanded the immediate commencement of the direct train service from Pabna to Dhaka. They also called for the reopening of Ishwardi Airport, construction of a four-lane road in the city, and relocation of the Aricha-Kazirhat ferry terminal to Khoyarchar.

Khan Habib Mostafa, president of Shekor Pabna Foundation, highlighted the severe traffic congestion commuters face when traveling from Dhaka to Pabna. What should be a four-hour journey often takes 10 to 12 hours, causing significant inconvenience to passengers. He emphasized that the introduction of a direct train service would ease travel and reduce passenger harassment.

Mostafa further pointed out that the presence of numerous foreigners residing at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant and EPZ intensifies travel difficulties, as they also suffer from the chronic traffic jams while commuting to Dhaka. He urged the authorities to reopen the Ishwardi Airport promptly to facilitate easier travel for residents and workers.

Regarding ferry transport, the foundation representatives noted that traveling from Aricha to Kazirhat by ferry currently takes two hours, while the return trip takes around one hour and forty minutes. They proposed relocating the ferry terminal to Khoyarchar, which would reduce travel time to just half an hour with a fare of 20 taka, significantly improving connectivity.

Khan Habib Mostafa criticized persistent regional disparities, stating that northern Bangladesh, including Pabna, remains neglected in terms of development. He expressed the foundation’s commitment to work selflessly for the region’s progress in collaboration with journalists and the local community.

Addressing the delay in launching the direct train service, Mostafa accused political figures of obstructing progress due to a lack of sincere commitment. He also highlighted that despite national plans to open several airports, Ishwardi Airport remains closed because of bureaucratic complications. He warned that if these demands are not fulfilled promptly, the foundation will organize intensified protests involving the people of Pabna.

The organizers announced that a human chain demanding the fulfillment of the four key demands will take place on 13 July at Shahid Chottor, in front of Pabna Press Club. Following that, a signature campaign will run from 25 to 30 July.

Also present at the event were Pabna Press Club president Akhtaruzzaman Akhtar, general secretary Zahurul Islam, vice president S.M. Alauddin, Shekor Foundation general secretary Dr. Mostafiz Khan, and prominent businessman Tajul Islam, among others.

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