Passengers went on a rampage at Rajshahi railway station on Tuesday morning in protest against the strike enforced by Bangladesh Railway's running staff to press home their demands including special post-retirement benefits. Hundreds of passengers vadalised chairs, tables and other valuables at a TTE room and several chairs at the station. On information, army personnel rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. The aggrieved passengers returned home after taking back train ticket money from counters. Moreover, those who booked tickets online were refunded through mobile phone. Read: Train communications halt nationwide after talks on extra benefits fail Demanding punitive action against the train employees, one of the Dhaka-bound passengers Anwar Hossain questioned why the strikers didn’t raise the demand to the previous government. “The staffers operated the trains even in hartals during the previous government and why they are holding passengers captive now?”  

Shahidur Rahman, hailing from Chattogram, frequently travels between Dhaka and his hometown as his family resides in the port city while he lives in the capital. His preferred mode of transport is always the train. “Yeah, I like trains; my family does too. In Dhaka, I reside in Uttara and prefer using the Dhaka Metro whenever I travel to the downtown area,” Shahid shared, expressing his enthusiasm for train journeys. However, Shahidur lamented a significant challenge: “I cannot purchase tickets from the counter, not even online. I have to rely on black marketeers who, ironically, are quite ‘humble’ and deliver the tickets to my home.” Like Shahid, many Bangladeshis are fond of train travel. But the country’s railway system has yet to meet passenger expectations, despite considerable government investment. While Bangladesh has spent thousands of crores of taka on railway projects, challenges persist, hampering the system’s ability to serve the growing demand effectively. The current fiscal year’s Annual Development Programme (ADP) includes 34 projects costing Tk 1.46 lakh crore, alongside 32 pending projects awaiting approval with a combined cost of Tk 1.39 lakh crore. Challenges Facing Bangladesh Railway Many railway projects suffer from delays and inadequate planning, resulting in staff shortages and outdated equipment. The lack of a unified strategy undermines the effectiveness of new initiatives, official sources said. They said Bangladesh Railway also struggles with a shortage of engines, coaches and manpower, limiting its ability to expand services and run new lines efficiently. The revenue generated by Bangladesh Railway is inadequate to cover operational costs, creating a financial strain that inhibits growth and development. Reports of misappropriation of funds and insider trading further erode public trust and hinder progress, according to officials wishing to remain anonymous. Expert Opinion Despite being a popular mode of transport, Bangladesh’s railway sector struggles due to inefficiency and government monopoly, Dr M Shamsul Hoque, Civil Engineering professor at Buet, told UNB. He attributes this to a lack of service-oriented mindset among government officials, who focus on infrastructure for personal gains rather than improving services. Unlike water, road, and air transport, where private entities play a key role, railways remain entirely government-controlled, leading to mismanagement and dependency on subsidies. Read: Benapole, Sundarbans Express trains’ routes to remain unchanged Dr Hoque stressed that globally, railways generate revenue through container transport, offsetting losses in passenger services. “In Bangladesh, this potential remains untapped due to the absence of accountability and professionalism.” He criticised previous governments for self-serving practices, such as misusing development funds for foreign trips. To improve, Dr Hoque recommends structural reforms, transparency, and partial privatisation of railway services. Introducing public hearings, as seen in the US, could ensure accountability by holding officials and politicians responsible for failures. “If you cannot deliver, step aside,” he said, stressing the need for a professional approach to unlock the sector’s potential. Adviser’s Perspective When asked about new initiatives, Railways Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan told UNB, “We cannot change what happened in the past, but we are working to address future challenges. Now there is a shortage of locomotives, and we are working on procuring them. Efforts are also being made to increase the number of coaches and enhance the capacity of workshops and repair facilities.” The adviser mentioned plans to introduce commuter train services on several routes, including the Joydebpur-Dhaka route. Services on the Narsingdi-Dhaka and Narayanganj-Dhaka routes are expected to be launched on March 26. Read more: Freight trains to be operational from Monday; commuter from Tuesday He also noted that an additional pair of trains would be introduced on the Dhaka-Cox's Bazar route to meet high demand. “While railway lines and stations were expanded earlier, the number of engines and coaches was not increased. We are trying to make the best possible use of our limited resources,” the adviser added. Dhaka Metro Rail: A Game-Changer The newly operational Dhaka Metro Rail is transforming urban commuting. With MRT Line 6 currently in operation and five lines planned, the metro system aims to mitigate Dhaka’s notorious traffic congestion and reduce air pollution. Designed to serve over 60,000 passengers per hour, the metro offers speed, safety and convenience, quickly becoming a preferred choice for urban mobility. Commuters’ Experience Trains are an indispensable mode of transport for countless commuters across Bangladesh. M Jahangir Alam, a journalist residing in Mirpur, Dhaka said, “Taking the train means I can spend more time in my professional work and family instead of being stuck in traffic.” Similarly, Kaiser Ahmed, a Dhaka University student, shared, “The train is my gateway to education. It’s affordable and reliable, making my daily commute manageable.” Both Jahangir and Kaiser said rail transport is not only cost-effective but also eco-friendly, consuming significantly less energy than road vehicles to transport equivalent volumes of passengers or freight. Opportunities for Growth Encouragingly, the government allocated Tk 18,072 crore for the Ministry of Railways for the fiscal year 2024–25. Investments are directed towards modernising infrastructure, improving intercity services, and enhancing container movement. Read more: Commuter trains to run on short routes from Aug 1: Railway DG The inauguration of new routes via the Padma Bridge in December will significantly boost connectivity in the southwestern regions. The 20-Year Railway Master Plan outlines 235 projects worth Tk 2,33,944 crore. This includes expanding the network by 2,877 kilometres, connecting 44 districts, and standardising gauge systems to streamline operations. Integration with road and inland water systems is also prioritised, creating a cohesive national transport framework. Lessons from Global Leaders Bangladesh has much to learn from global railway leaders. Japan’s Shinkansen sets the gold standard for safety and efficiency, while India’s dedicated freight corridors highlight the benefits of specialised goods transport. China’s Belt and Road Initiative demonstrates the potential of integrated rail networks for trade, and Europe’s success in shifting freight from roads to rail showcases the environmental and logistical advantages of rail transport. Revitalising Bangladesh Railway requires a strategic approach focused on infrastructure upgrades, rationalising gauge systems, and integrating multimodal transport. Strengthening operational efficiency, enhancing employee productivity, and fostering greater transparency are essential to turning Bangladesh Railway into a world-class transport service, experts said. With rising public demand and increased government focus, the railway is poised to play a transformative role in the nation’s development journey. Ensuring its modernisation and efficiency will not only enhance mobility but also secure its position as a cornerstone of national progress, according to the experts.

The situation on Dhaka-Mymensingh highway in Gazipur is better than the last few years.However, since this morning, there are crowds of home-goers at various important points including Chandana intersection on the highway and the pressure of vehicles is also very high.To keep the movement of vehicles smooth on the highway, the road is being monitored round the clock with the deployment of additional traffic police at important points including Chandana, Bhogra Bypass intersection, Board Bazar, and Station Road.There are certain routes with fewer vehicles and more commuters. Many said they have to wait for a long time for buses, and taking advantage of this, transport workers are charging extra fare.Buses on the Mymensingh, Kishoreganj, Sherpur, Netrakona and other routes are charging about one and a half times more than usual fare, they complained.Gazipur Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (traffic) Mohammad Alamgir Hossain said, about 1,000 traffic police personnel, APBN members and rover scouts have been deployed in three shifts to maintain normal traffic conditions on the highway during this year's Eid journey.Special monitoring is going on to prevent unfit vehicles from plying the road. Some tow-trucks have also been kept ready at different points of the highway.

A man fatally stabbed two people and injured five others on a train in northern Germany on Wednesday before being arrested, police said. Germany's Federal Police force said the man used a knife to attack several passengers shortly before a regional train traveling from Kiel to Hamburg arrived at the Brokstedt station. Police spokesman Juergen Henningsen from the nearby city of Flensburg said two of the stabbed people died after the attack. Three people were severely injured and two others suffered minor injuries. No details were given about the identity of the victims. The attacker was also injured and taken to the hospital, police said. Read more: Son of former German president stabbed to death in Berlin Police did not provide any information on the suspect’s identity and said his possible motives were under investigation. They said they were first alerted to the incident shortly before 3 p.m. when several passengers on the train made emergency calls to police. The interior minister of Schleswig-Holstein state, Sabine Suetterlin-Waack, voiced shock at the attack.. “It is terrible,” Suetterlin-Waack told German public broadcaster NDR. “We are shocked and horrified that something like this has happened.” Regional police and the federal police were on the scene and the prosecutor’s office was investigating the attack, NDR reported. The train station in Brokstedt was closed for several hours and train traffic was delayed across northern Germany. Train operator Deutsche Bahn expressed its condolences on Wednesday evening saying that “our deepest sympathy goes to the relatives of the victims. We wish those injured a speedy and complete recovery.”

Private airline ‘NOVOAIR’ celebrated its 10th founding anniversary through various programs. Marking the anniversary it awarded ‘best agents prize’ to 10 travel agencies for their significant contribution to transportation of passengers at a function in a city hotel on Tuesday evening. The agencies are ShareTrip Limited, BeFresh Limited, Gozayaan Limited, H.I.S Travel Limited, Triplover Limited, Saimon Overseas Limited, Flight Expert, International Travel Corporation, Travel Channel and Tryotel Travels Limited. Addressing as the chief guest at the event, Minister for Commerce Tipu Munshi said the NOVOAIR is making a notable contribution to expanding the country's business by ensuring safe and reliable travel. Especially for the northern districts of the country more flights are needed in expanding trade, employment and developing the tourism industry, he said. Read more: NOVOAIR celebrates its 10th Anniversary The private airline has always maintained its reputation and established itself as a world-class airline by expanding its network of state-of-the-art aircraft additions, the minister said. Air Vice Marshal M Mofidur Rahman, chairman of Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority, said the airline operates flights with 100 percent compliance and always strives to ensure safer travel for passengers. Fayzur Rahman, chairman of NOVOAIR, in his speech said, “Our journey began with the promise to provide a world-class service. It has never compromised with the quality of passenger service. We are constantly trying to increase the quality of service by adding new services”. Mofizur Rahman, managing director of the airline, said on-time flight operations and ensuring safe travel are the highest prerogative of their business philosophy. “We give equal importance to the two main mantras--safety and service reliability. After overcoming various challenges and adversities, NOVOAIR has established itself as a trusted, reliable and safe airline,” he said. Arshad Jamal, director & chief financial officer of the NOVOAIR, said they are working to ensure a better passenger service by expanding domestic and international destinations, adding more aircraft to its fleet to meet demand of passengers. Read more: NOVOAIR launches direct flight on Jashore-Cox’s Bazar route

Water transport workers continued their countrywide strike for the second consecutive day – to press home their 10-point demand, including wage hike. The workers held demonstrations at Khulna launch terminal this morning, reports our Khulna correspondent. Read more: Countrywide water transport strike: Unloading at Ctg port halted Passengers are, as always, suffering as all launches from Khulna to the southern part (Dakop, Paikgachha, Koira, Satkhira) have been halted. Cargo launch services also remained suspended. At present, a worker is getting a minimum wage of Tk 7,750 monthly when prices of essentials have shot up abnormally, said member of Khulna Noujan Sramik Sangram Parishad Farooq Hossain. He said they have been repeatedly demanding increase in wages but water transport owners did not pay any heed. Read more: Passengers suffer as Barishal water transport workers go on indefinite strike The workers will continue their strike, abstaining from work until their demands are met, said Khulna Divisional Organising Secretary of Bangladesh Launch Workers’ Association, Delwar Hossain. On November 19, Noujan Sramik Sangram Parishad announced to go on an indefinite strike across the country from November 26 midnight to press home their 10-point demand, including setting their minimum wage at Tk 20,000. Other demands of the workers are providing appointment letter, identity card and service book to workers, formation of Contributory Provident Fund and Seafarer Welfare Fund to provide food and sea allowances, providing Tk 10 lakh compensation for accident and death at work.

The authorities concerned of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) on Tuesday requested people suffering from conjunctivitis not to travel within seven days of being infected with the disease. In case of any emergency, it also asked the passengers suffering from the disease to go to the airport with a prescription of a registered physician and wearing sunglasses for travelling, said a press release issued by Executive Director Quamrul Islam of the airport. It also asked the passengers suffering from conjunctivitis to be checked by a health officer of the Health Department at the airport and he will provide a fitness certificate after scrutinising the documents in case of any emergency. The airport authorities issued the notice after observing the presence of people infected with conjunctivitis outside the airport for safety reasons.

Launch owners have decreased the number of vessels plying the Dhaka-Barishal route due to shortage of passengers and price hike of fuel. Three launches ply the Dhaka-Barishal-Dhaka route each day, the MV Manami’s Director Ahmed Jaki Anupam said after a meeting of launch owners of the Bangladesh Inland Waterways Association in the capital on Tuesday. A total of 18 launches have been categorized into six groups to operate on the route per day, he said. Director Anupam informed that the Barishal-bound launch from Dhaka will reach around 5am after departing around 8pm. On the other hand the Dhaka-bound launch from Barishal will also leave at 6am and arrive around 8pm on the same day.   Read: Upto 30 launch services from Sadarghat forced to fold post-Padma Bridge He further said decision to stop overtaking among launches was taken at the meeting. All the decisions taken at the meeting will be implemented within four to five days. Mahbub Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram presided over the meeting where its Vice President Bodiuzzaman Badal, Managing Committee’s Convenor of Dhaka Rivers Ports Water Traffic Plying Mamun-Or-Rashid and launch owners were present.  

Commuters have been suffering a lot for the past 13 days as the bus workers on the Sylhet-M’singh went on an indefinite strike from August 1 following a conflict between the authorities concerned of the two routes. Bus movement on the Sylhet-Mymensingh route remains suspended since August 1, causing immense sufferings to the Sylhet, Mymensingh, Netrakona and Kishoreganj-bound passengers. Some 4-5 buses were operative on Sylhet route and 60-70 buses were operative on Mymensingh route. The Mymensingh Bus Owners Association obstructed the Sylhet Bus owners to move in Sylhet, said Ziaul Kabir Palash, general secretary of Sylhet District bus Owners Association. Read: Commuters suffer as buses stay off roads As a result, no buses were left from the terminal from August 1.The commuters failed to buy tickets for Mymensingh as they went on the strike without any prior notice. However, a meeting will be held on Sunday where the two groups of bus owners association will take final decision. The meeting was scheduled to be held at ‘Madhabpur Highway Inn’.

Due to traffic gridlock caused by an ongoing Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) project, police have requested Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport-bound passengers to leave their homes early so that they can arrive on time. Traffic (Uttara Division) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) urged the passengers to do so as the work of the project has narrowed the road to the airport. Read: Salman dissatisfied with services at airport DMP Joint Commissioner (Traffic North) Abu Saleh Md Raihan said vehicle movement has been suspended in three lanes of the road, leading to heavy congestion. "So, airport-bound passengers need to set out ahead of time." "As the road has been separated into two, passengers need to stick to the left lane after passing Le Méridien Dhaka and Kawla. Those travelling from Khilkhet to Uttara or to Gazipur need to head out early," he added.