Train movement resumes after 2 hours as residents in Kushtia block railway
Their demands include preserving the century-old Mirpur railway station, increasing infrastructural development, and assigning a permanent station master.
Residents in Kushtia's Mirpur blocked the railway today (15 December) over seven demands, including preserving the century-old Mirpur railway station, increasing infrastructural development, and assigning a permanent station master. The blockade was withdrawn after two hours around 2pm bringing train movement to normal.
The Mirpur Upazila Development Committee members organised a peaceful blockade, with protestors laying down on the tracks at the station, from 10am to 12pm.
Multiple trains including the Kopotakkho Express (Khulna-Rajshahi) and Mahananda Express (Rajshahi-Khulna) were halted due to the protest. Passengers suffered as the rail connection between northern and southern was shut off.
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Mirpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Nazmul Islam arrived at around 10:30am and promised to solve issues within seven days. The railway officials also assured they would consider the demands.
Before withdrawing the protest, protestors highlighted crumbling infrastructure, lack of repairs, no permanent station master, and insufficient staff, depriving 15 lakhs locals of reliable train services. They claim the railway authorities have been ignoring repeated pleas.
Train services returned to normal after the blockade was lifted. Leaders from different social, political, and cultural groups joined the protest.
