Mass demonstration in Moulvibazar demands new trains, rail upgrades
Published: 23 August 2025, 5:48:32
A human chain demonstration was held at Sreemangal Railway Station platform in Moulvibazar, demanding the launch of new trains on the Sylhet-Dhaka and Sylhet-Cox’s Bazar routes, along with the renovation of the Sylhet-Akhaura railway line and six other related demands.
The protest was organized on Saturday at around 3:30 PM by citizens of all walks of life from Sreemangal, in collaboration with Kulaura Eight-Point Demand Implementation Committee.
Speakers at the event called on the government and railway authorities to fulfill their eight-point charter of demands aimed at improving rail connectivity and services in Sylhet region.
Among the key demands raised were the immediate introduction of two special trains on the Sylhet-Dhaka and Sylhet-Cox’s Bazar routes, the renovation and conversion of the Akhaura-Sylhet rail line into a dual-gauge double line and the reinstatement of a local train service on the Akhaura-Sylhet section.
Protesters also called for reopening all closed stations along the Akhaura-Sylhet line, increasing reserved seat quota at Kulaura Junction station and cancelling all post-Azampur stops for the Sylhet-bound intercity trains Kalni and Parabat towards Dhaka.
Further demands included equipping all trains serving Sylhet region with fault-free engines to prevent schedule disruptions and adding additional coaches to meet increasing passenger demand.
The demonstration drew significant participation from local leaders and representatives of various political parties, social organizations and clubs from across Sylhet division.
Among the prominent attendees were Atikur Rahman Akhi, General Secretary of Kulaura Business Welfare Association; Md. Almas Parvez Talukder, Joint Secretary; and HD Rubel, Publicity Secretary.
Also present were M Musabbir Ali, President of Kulaura Upazila Press Club; Nazmul Bari Suhel, General Secretary; Mahfuz Shakil, Organizational Secretary; Saiful Islam, district correspondent for Kaler Kantho; and Islam Uddin, acting president of the Kulaura Road Transport Workers Union.
Other notable attendees included leaders from humanitarian, media and social circles such as Abdur Rahim of the Selfless Human Blood Donation Foundation, Jahirul Islam, Arfin Subel, Ashikul Islam Babu, journalist Md. Ibrahim Ali, social workers Iqbal Ahmed, Md. Rasel, Mohi Uddin Ripon, Abdul Majid, Murshed Auwal Raj, Alamgir Hossain and Sheikh Md. Sumon.
The protest highlighted the growing frustration among residents of Sylhet division over long-standing rail service issues and called for urgent government attention and action.
