July Uprising Day: Special train from Ctg brings July fighters to Dhaka for celebration
Special train departs from Faridpur’s Bhanga with only 17 passengers
A special 16-coach train carrying hundreds of "July fighters" from Chattogram arrived in Dhaka today (5 August), ahead of the rally and "July Declaration" programme at the capital's Manik Mia Avenue to mark the first anniversary of the historic July uprising.
Speaking to The Business Standard, Divisional Transport Officer (Chattogram) Anisur Rahman said, "As per government directives, a dedicated train departed from Chattogram railway station at 7:15am to transport participants to the celebration in Dhaka.
"The 16-coach train had around 850 seats. We also arranged scheduled stops at Laksam and Cumilla stations to pick up additional attendees."
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The train is scheduled to return to Chattogram tonight.
Muhammad Touhid Alif, one of the July fighters who boarded the train, told TBS. "We have been active in the movement since the beginning. Coming to Dhaka to hear the July Declaration on this anniversary is incredibly important to us.
"Our journey began at 7am, and we reached Dhaka around 1pm. Each coach had 30 to 40 people — all with the same purpose."
To ensure safe and accessible participation in the July Uprising Day celebrations, the government provided free train services on eight different routes across the country.
Trains from various districts transported students and citizens to the capital and are scheduled to take them back home after the event.
Thousands have converged at Manik Mia Avenue, transforming it into a hub of remembrance, resistance, and renewed hope.
Dubbed the "36 July Celebration," the day-long programme aims to honour the legacy of the movement that led to the fall of the Awami League government last year.
The event began this afternoon with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus reading out the "July Declaration". Cultural programmes are set to continue through the night, featuring musical performances and a drone show.
Special train departs from Faridpur's Bhanga with only 17 passengers
A special train departed from Bhanga Railway Station in Faridpur this noon, carrying just 17 passengers to Dhaka to facilitate nationwide participation in the anniversary celebrations of the July uprising.
Speaking to TBS, Bhanga Station Master Zillur Rahman said, "The special train to Dhaka departed with only 17 passengers on board. Though the train had six coaches, the number of travellers was unexpectedly low, with most of its 676 seats remaining empty."
He added that the train was scheduled to transport citizens interested in attending the July Declaration event.
