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Two intercity trains bound for Rajshahi will begin stopping at Rajshahi University (RU) railway station from Saturday (October 24), bringing relief to students after years of protests and demands.
The trains are the Titumir Express (No. 734) and the Sagardari Express (No. 761).
The university’s Public Relations Office confirmed the decision in a statement issued on Friday night. The same-day letter, signed by the additional chief operating superintendent of Bangladesh Railway’s western zone, also confirmed the stops.
Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) General Secretary Salahuddin Ammar welcomed the decision in a social media post, saying the stop had been secured after nearly three decades of movements and demands.
He congratulated everyone who had campaigned, written in support of the demand or backed it quietly.
Ammar also said an understanding had been reached with the university administration to provide shuttle buses for students travelling to and from the station in connection with other night trains that do not stop there. The administration has been approached with a formal request and has responded positively, he added.
Regarding stops for other trains, he said discussions had been held with the Ministry of Railways and that further decisions would be made through mutual understanding.
He urged students to avoid any behaviour that could jeopardise the newly secured facility.
Earlier, RUCSU had demanded mandatory stops for all long-distance trains at Rajshahi University railway station. The station’s prolonged inactivity had caused considerable difficulties for students travelling by train.
The Rajshahi University railway station has remained largely non-operational for more than three decades.