Rajshahi University Students Block Rail Lines Following Alleged Assault by Train Staff
Rail service connecting Rajshahi to the rest of Bangladesh remained paralyzed Tuesday morning after university students blocked the railway tracks to protest the alleged assault of a classmate by a railway ticket examiner. The protest, centered near the Faculty of Fine Arts at Rajshahi University, began at dawn and halted all regional rail operations.
The victim, Forkan Uddin, a law student at the university, alleges he was attacked while traveling on the Padma Express from Dhaka to Rajshahi on Monday night. According to his account, he witnessed railway ticket examiners collecting cash from other passengers without issuing formal receipts. When he confronted the staff members regarding the unauthorized payments, he was physically assaulted, stating that an examiner grabbed him by the throat, injured his legs, and dragged him through the carriage.
The blockade has resulted in significant logistical disruptions, with the Banalata and Silk City express trains destined for Dhaka stranded at the Rajshahi station. General Manager of the Western Railway, Farid Uddin Ahmed, confirmed that the service remains completely suspended as the trains are unable to depart their scheduled routes.
Protesting students have issued a four-point demand to railway authorities: the immediate appearance of the accused official, their permanent dismissal for alleged bribery, the initiation of legal action for the attempted assault, and the establishment of a formal stop for all long-distance trains at the Rajshahi University station. Student representative Ariful Islam stated that such harassment has become a recurrent issue, and the blockade will persist until authorities provide a concrete resolution regarding the corruption and the assault.
Rajshahi University Proctor Professor Mahbubur Rahman confirmed that negotiations are underway with railway officials to address the grievances. While authorities have expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue, the location for the discussion remains a point of contention, as students are skeptical following previous failed attempts to seek redress at the station. University administration is currently mediating between the two sides to reach an agreement and restore rail services.
