Rangpur-Dhaka train suspension decried

Bangladesh Railway (BR) has withdrawn the Teesta following introduction of Inter-city Drutojan on Saturday, which shuttles between Dinajpur and Dhaka via Parbotipur through the Jamuna Bridge without touching Rangpur.

The people of Rangpur are now deprived of

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inter-city train service to Dhaka, which is also hampering trade and business in the northern districts, they told this correspondent.

BR sources said they have taken the decision as plying a inter-city express train via Rangpur is not cost effective. Moreover, ferry service was an extra burden for train passengers after commissioning of Jamuna Bridge, they said.

Jatiya Party (E) legislator from Rangpur GM Quader said the decision to sidetrack Rangpur in the new train service proves that the government is not sincere to the people of Rangpur and their statements on its development are only lip service.

GM Quader said he had sent a letter to Prime Minister, who assured him that a connecting train from Rangpur to Parbotipur would be introduced before Drutojan is pressed into service. He hoped that the assurance will be fulfilled.

President of Rangpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry and former chairman of Rangpur municipality Kazi Mohammed Zunnun said withdrawal of Dhaka-Rangpur train service shows government's discriminatory behabiour towards the people of Rangpur.

Rangpur Municipality Chairman Abdur Rouf Manik protested the decision and urged the government to introduce a connecting train from Rangpur to Parbotipur.