Trains resume service as railway staff calls off protest

Train services resumed in parts of the country on Wednesday after Bangladesh Railway's running staff ended their 26-hour strike. The decision came following a late-night meeting on Tuesday between Railways Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, and running staff representatives. The announcement was made at 2:45 am on Wednesday.  

Md Mojibur Rahman, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Railway Running Staff and Workers Union, stated, "The adviser has assured us that our issues will be resolved through the finance ministry by Wednesday. We do not want the public to suffer. I apologize and have now withdrawn the work stoppage. I urge my fellow running staff to return to work."  

Following the announcement, train operations gradually resumed. The Sagardari and Madhumati trains departed from Rajshahi Railway Station at 6:05 am and 6:50 am, respectively, while the Banalata Express left Chapainawabganj Railway Station for Rajshahi later in the morning.  

However, passenger turnout remained low due to the late withdrawal of the strike.  

The strike, which began at midnight on Monday, was launched by railway running staff nationwide to demand special post-retirement allowances and other benefits.