United News of Bangladesh

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Bangladesh Railway Many railway projects suffer from delays and inadequate planning, resulting in staff shortages and outdated equipment.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.

Rangpur Division created history by winning the title of the inaugural edition of the National Cricket League (NCL) T20 on Tuesday beating Dhaka Metro by five wickets on Tuesday in Sylhet.  The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) hosted the tournament to give the local cricketer more chances to play T20 cricket ahead of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). All the teams, which take part in the NCL First-class, also played the T20 edition of one of the most prestigious domestic cricket events of the country.  Rangpur won the toss in the final and opted to bowl first. Dhaka started with a big hope as Imranuzzaman drove Mukidul Islam Mugdho for a four through the deep cover region off the first ball of the match.  6-team 2nd South Asian Lawyers Cricket taking place Dec 23-26 But the morning did not show the day well for them. Dhaka lost four wickets in just eight runs with Mukidul taking three wickets in his first two overs.  With just 16 runs on the board, Dhaka lost five wickets. They had no clue against Rangpur's disciplined bowling attack.  Only two Dhaka batters— Shamsur Rahman Shuvo and Abu Hider Rony— were able to reach a double-digit figure.  Dhaka Metro beat Khulna to reach NCL T20 final Eventually, Dhaka crumbled for 62 runs in 16.3 overs. It was the lowest total in a T20 event final in Bangladesh.  For Rangpur, Mukidul and Alauddin Babu shared six wickets equally between them.    In reply, Rangpur reached the target with 52 balls to play and five wickets in hand.  But before closing the game, Rangpur also lost wickets quickly. They were reduced to 47 for five in 7.5 overs, keeping hope alive for Dhaka. But a cautious 23-run stand by Ariful Haque and Anamul Haque Anam sealed the match for Rangpur, earning them the pride of first NCL T20 title.  The NCL T20 served as a much-needed opportunity for local cricketers to prove their mettle in the shorter format of the game. These cricketers often get overlooked in BPL, where teams have a wider pool of cricketers, including foreign recruits.

The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Dhaka Metro has formed its board for 2024 with the commitment to foster positive change and leadership development. The board was announced on Tuesday at JCI Bangladesh Office in Banani, Dhaka, said a media release on Wednesday. Aligning with the national goal of the board, it will continue its work towards impactful changes through collective efforts. Founded in 1915, JCI is a global force for young individuals aged 18 to 40, spanning approximately 124 countries. With more than 6,000 members in Bangladesh, JCI is a vibrant movement of young, passionate individuals committed to creating substantial, tangible changes in their communities and the nation. JCI Dhaka Metro forms 2024 Board committed to positive change As a platform for young leaders, JCI Dhaka Metro introduced a diverse and talented group of individuals dedicated to creating positive societal transformations. The new board is comprised of passionate and visionary leaders who bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the organization. Md. Sariful Islam, working for the United Nations with 15 years of experience as a communications expert and journalist, has been elected as the Local President for 2024 at JCI Dhaka Metro.  Towhid Ahmed, Head of Corporate Communications at Banglalink, and Young Entrepreneur Annando Kutum have been elected as the local executive vice presidents.   Media personality Farabi Hafiz and businessperson Md. Belal Hosen Munna, communication professional Tanjim Ferdous, and independent researcher Nayeem Arefin joined the board as vice presidents. JCI Barishal distributes warm clothes to 150 children Entrepreneur Mustakim Hassan will serve as the Secretary General in 2024. The other vital members of the board are: Biswajit Kumar Paul, Treasurer; Wahida Zaman Shithi, Training Commissioner); and Sayed Monjurul Haque Rony, General Legal Counsel. Among the directors are Emran Hossain, Rayhan Masud, Sangeeta Aparajita, Alam Pintu, Towfiq Hasan, Dis Islam Raz, Shahadat Hossain Dipto, and Atm Rahat Mohammad. The primary focus of the newly formed board is to work with JCI Vision 2024 to ensure empowering communities, fostering growth and building a smart Bangladesh. President Md. Sariful Islam said, "Our vision for the upcoming journey is to ensure that every individual is not just a member but a valued contributor to the positive change we aim to bring. As we embark on this journey, let us unite in our commitment to building a society where the spirit of leadership and community thrive." " JCI Barishal holds free medical camp The new board was announced during the General Assembly (GA) of JCI Dhaka Metro. Imran Kadir, 2024 JCI Bangladesh National President, S.M. Tanveer Saad Akash, JCI Bangladesh BDC Chairperson; Sanama Faiz, 2023 Local President of JCI Dhaka Metro; Members of JCI Bangladesh National Governing Body, and Members of JCI Dhaka Metro joined the GA. Holding a prestigious consultative status with vital international bodies like the Council of Europe and UNESCO, JCI is a dynamic platform for young leaders to drive meaningful change.

The long-awaited Metro Rail in capital Dhaka is finally going to be opened to traffic by the year-end, bringing with it much hype and also its own share of challenges. The main challenge is ensuring its security. Authorities now have planned to form a specialised new police unit, “Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Police" or “MRT Police” to ensure security and safety checks at its every station. The proposal for formation of the new police unit is now awaiting the final approval of the Secretaries' Committee under the Cabinet Division. READ: Metro Rail’s performance test on Sunday  “The process of forming the MRT Police will start after getting the approval from the committee,” a senior official at the Police Headquarters told UNB. According to a Revised Strategic Transport Plan (RSTP), Dhaka Mass Transit Development Company Limited (DMTCL) has planned to construct six metro rail routes in Dhaka by 2030, with a total length of 128.74km. Construction work on the six metro rail lines is underway aiming to complete it by the timeframe. The six metro rail routes will create a128.74km metro rail network, which will have 104 stations -- 53 underground and51 elevated, according to the DMTCL. The MRT police will ensure the security of the entire metro rails in the future as 5 million passengers will use the metro rail network per day. During a presentation of Metro rail at Ganobhaban in September 2019, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina underscored the need for the formation of the separate police unit for ensuring the security of the metro rail. Later, the DMTCL, under the Ministry of Road, Transport, and Bridges Ministry, submitted the proposal to the Police Headquarters in the same month for the formation of the MRT police. Following the proposal, the Police Headquarters had sent a draft organogram to the Home Ministry’s Public Security Division for forming the new unit. After scrutiny, the division later sent the draft to the Public Administration Ministry, then the Finance Ministry and finally to the Cabinet division. Contacted, additional DIG (O&M) of Police Headquarters (PHQ), SM Mostak Ahmed told UNB that the draft proposal is now at the Cabinet Division for discussing it at the Secretaries’ Committee for its final approval. Replying to a question, he said, “Now the draft proposal is at the final stage. Once approved, more time will be needed to complete the formation process of the MRT police unit.” After the formation of the unit, the MRT police unit will work out a deployment plan after security assessments. “We’ll do everything from our part to ensure the security of the Metro Rail,” Mostak Ahmed said.

Dhaka Metropolis team were trailing by 326 runs against Chattogram Division  on the 2nd day of the four-day National Cricket League at the BKSP ground-3 in Savar on Monday.  Chattogram Division resumed their first innings Monday morning with overnight total 316 for 4 featuring two brilliant centuries by Test captain Mominul Haque and Mahmudul Hasan Joy and declared the innings for 445 for 9 in 134.1 overs. READ: NCL: Mominul, Mahmudul tons guide Ctg Div to 316/4 over Dhaka Metro  Nightwatchman Yasir Ali, resuming his knock on 1, scored a 39-ball 24 hitting two boundaries. Another overnight batter Nayeem Hasan (10) contributed 18 runs off 58 balls, also with two fours, Mehedi Hasan Rana hit an 81-ball 39 featuring four fours and a six while Mehedi Hasan  made 20-ball 25 runs with two fours.  Shohidul Islam grabbed three wickets for 66 runs, Abu Hider also claimed three wickets for 82 runs while Sharifullah bagged two for 106 runs. Replying to Chattagram Division mammoth total, Dhaka Metro team opened the first innings Monday afternoon and scored 119 for 4 in 25 overs when the bails were drawn for the 2nd day to trail by 326 runs.    National-capped opener Shadman Islam was batting on 68 runs off 98 balls featuring seven hits to the fence and one over the fence while Shamsur Rahman made 52-ball 32 runs with four boundaries. Mehedi Hasan Rana captured two wickets for35 runs.  Dhaka Metro batter Al Amin Junior rushed to the hospital during the match with head injury when a bouncer of Mehedi Hasan Rana hit his hamlet.        In the day’s other match, Rajshahi Division were trailing by 177 runs against Barishal Division on the 2nd day of the league at the Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium in Cox’s Bazar on Monday. Barishal Division resumed the first innings Monday morning with overnight score 360 for 7 featuring a century by Shohag Gazi (113) and were all out for 404 in 102.3 overs.    Night watchman Shamsul Islam, who was on batting with 56 runs, contributed 84 runs off 148 balls hitting eight fours and two sixes while another overnight batter Monir Hossain scored 13 runs.  National coloured spinner Taijul Islam claimed four wickets for 125 runs, Nahid Rana, Asaduzzaman and Sunzamul Islam took two wickets each conceding 47, 96 and 120 runs respectively.     In reply, Rajshahi Division opened the first inning and scored 227 for 4 in 75 overs at the end of the 2nd day (Monday) and were trailing by 177 runs. READ: NCL: Sylhet beat Khulna by 4 wkts National-capped batter Nazmul Hossain Shanto hits the team highest 68 runs playing 114 balls featuring seven boundaries, Towhid Rana scored 50 runs off 88 balls with three fours, Tanzid Hasan made 57-ball 42 runs hitting four fours and a six while Farhad Hossain was on batting with 26 nuns. Monir Hossain captured two wickets for 52 runs.   At the Academy ground of Sylhet International Cricket Stadium Dhaka Division were trailing by 333 runs against Khulna Division on the 2nd day (Monday). Replying to Khulna Division first innings collection 419 runs, Dhaka Division scored 86 for no loss in 36 overs at the end of the 2nd day.  In the day’s other match, hosts Sylhet Division were struggling against Rangpur Division at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on the 2nd day. Replying to Rangpur Division ‘s first inning score 266 runs, hosts Sylhet Division scored 113 runs in the first innings and scored 31 for 1 in the 2nd innings when bails were drawn on the 2nd day.