Sit-in, rally demanding better railway service
Leaders and workers of different political parties, professional bodies and students join a procession organised by Chapainawabganj Rakkha Sangram Committee in the town yesterday demanding overhaul of Chapinawabganj-Rajshahi rail route and introduction of inter-city train on the route. They later stage a sit-in at the local rail station.Photo: STAR
A large number of people yesterday held sit-in and rally at the railway station in the town demanding better railway service. Their seven-point demand included modernisation of railway infrastructure and introduction of inter-city train. Leaders and workers of different political parties, professional bodies and students took part in the programme. Chapainawabganj Rakkha Sangram Committee, a body to press for development of the district organised the programme. Former student leader Babul Kumar Ghosh, convener of Chapainawabganj Rakkha Sangram Committee presided the rally while Shaidul Huda Alok, Rafique Hasan Bablu, Moniruzzaman Monir, Mushfiqur Rahman and student leader Ziaur Rahman Arman spoke. The speakers said, a railway link between Rohonpur and Singabad of Indian Maldah district to facilitate transit to Nepal through India was decided during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's recent visit to India. But the railway tracks on Chapainawabganj-Rohonpur route which is important for export-import activities have worn away due to lack of proper maintenance in the last three decades. They also demanded overhaul of Chapainawabganj-Rajshahi rail route which has been in deplorable condition for long. The railway authorities cancelled tender for construction and development work several times. Alleging neglect towards the people of Chapainawabganj, they urged the government to immediately introduce inter-city train between Chapainawabganj and Dhaka. They said, natural gas supply from Rajshahi to Chapainawabganj could be possible by making only 44 kilometre pipeline. Sonamasjid land port and Rohonpur rail port in the district play important role in country's economy. If gas supply is ensured, business community will show interest in setting up more industries. The speakers called upon the government to take steps for gas link without further delay. They also demanded construction of Second Mahanada Bridge, dredging of four rivers, including Padma in the district, freeing district town from menace of drug abuse, upgradation of Sadar hospital and filling up of all vacant posts at the hospital and five upazila health complexes. Alleging that the students are being deprived of education due to shortage of teachers at the government institutions, they urged the authorities to fill up all the vacant posts of teachers in the district. They also demanded upgradation of Chapainawabganj Government College to university college. Earlier, Chapainawabganj Rakkha Sangram Committee brought out a procession from in front of Press Club and paraded main streets of the town.
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