Pabna Residents Demand Direct Pabna-Dhaka Express Train Service

ছবিঃ সিএনআই

Pabna Correspondent:
Under the banner of Shekor Pabna Foundation, residents of Pabna held a large-scale human chain on Sunday, July 13, demanding the launch of a direct express train service between Pabna and Dhaka, the activation of Ishwardi Airport, construction of a four-lane road in the town, and the relocation of the Aricha-Kazirhat ferry terminal to Khoyarchor.

The hour-long human chain began at 11:00 AM at Shahid Chattar on Abdul Hamid Road and stretched throughout the city, drawing participation from people of all walks of life.

Speakers at the event expressed deep frustration, stating that due to the failure of political leadership in Pabna, ordinary citizens have had to take to the streets to demand basic infrastructure. They criticized the partial and ineffective rail line from Pabna to Majhpara, demanding instead a fully functional Pabna-Dhaka direct train service to ease daily travel to the capital.

They also emphasized that relocating the Kazirhat ferry terminal to Khoyarchor would cut a two-hour journey down to just fifteen minutes, and activating the Ishwardi Airport is vital, especially for the EPZ and Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. To alleviate traffic congestion, they demanded the construction of a four-lane road through Pabna town.

"We’ve heard about a 30 km detour via Ataikula and Majhpara just to reach Dhaka by train — we will not accept this," said a speaker. "The government must ensure the launch of this direct train at any cost, or else the responsible authorities will have to pay the price." They warned that, like past student movements, this campaign could escalate if their demands are ignored.

Other demands included:

• Construction of a new Jamuna Bridge between Nagarbari and Aricha for rapid socio-economic growth of the region.

• Speedy excavation of the Ichhamati River, urging those who filed lawsuits to withdraw them and support the project for the betterment of public health.

• Modernization of Pabna Medical College Hospital and renovation of the Mental Hospital.

• Justice for two students who were killed in July at this very square, with a call for the immediate arrest of the culprits.

The human chain was presided over by Shekor Pabna Foundation President Khan Habib Mostafa and moderated by Ataikula Degree College lecturer Raju Islam Oli.

Speakers included:

• Jamaat-e-Islami Pabna District Nayeb-e-Ameer Principal Hafiz Maulana Md. Iqbal Hossain

• Pabna Press Club President Akhtaruzzaman Akhtar

• Former President ABM Fazlur Rahman

• Jamaat City Ameer Abdul Latif

• Renowned artist Obaidullah Tarek

• Saidul Islam, Mahfuzur Rahman (Kindergarten Association President), Abdul Alim (Alia Madrasa teacher), Advocate Rana, Rotarian Binoy Jyoti Kundu, Coordinator Shawon Hossain, Sirajul Islam (Director, Ideal Group)

Additionally, students from various schools, colleges, and nursing institutes in Pabna participated in the event.