Chapainawabganj Correspondent 

Residents of Chapainawabganj have announced a two-day rail blockade program demanding the operation of four intercity trains from the district. The blockade will take place on Wednesday  and Thursday .

 The Dhaka-based Chapainawabganj District Association and the civic organization Sushasoner Jonno Nagorik (SUJAN) have separately announced the programs.

On Tuesday  SUJAN leaders announced Wednesday's program during a press conference held at the Chapainawabganj Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Meanwhile, General Secretary of the Dhaka Chapainawabganj District Association, Advocate Delwar Hossain, confirmed Thursday’s blockade program on behalf of his organization.

According to organizers, on the first day (Wednesday), a one-and-a-half-hour blockade will be enforced at the railway station starting at 10:00 a.m., along with a human chain demonstration. On Thursday, a two-hour rail blockade will also be carried out.

Advocate Delwar Hossain stated that four intercity trains—Dhumketu, Padma, Silk City, and Madhumati Express—currently operate between Rajshahi and Dhaka, but these services are not extended to Chapainawabganj despite the feasibility. Currently, Banalata Express is the only train operating between Chapainawabganj and Dhaka. He blamed railway authorities' negligence and regional discrimination for depriving the people of Chapainawabganj of proper rail services.

During the press conference, SUJAN Chapainawabganj General Secretary Monowar Hossain Jewel read out the written statement under the chairmanship of Md. Khairul Islam, Senior Vice President of the Chamber. Jewel said that launching all intercity trains from Chapainawabganj is a long-standing demand of the local people. Peaceful blockades and continuous protests will be organized until the demand is fulfilled.

Former municipal councillor Shahnewaz Khan Sinha also urged everyone to join the movement to realize eight core demands for the district’s development.

Among others present were: Shahidul Islam, Director of the Chamber and Vice President of SUJAN Municipal Committee  Mdd. Masidur Rahman, Vice President of SUJAN District Committee,  Munirul Islam Munir, District Publicity Secretary,  Nasirul Islam, Assistant Publicity Secretary,  Nure Alam Siddique Asad, President of SUJAN Sadar Upazila Committee, Jarif Hossain, General Secretary, Md. Jamshed Ali, President of SUJAN Municipality,  . Abdul Wahab, General Secretary and  Selim Hossain, Joint General Secretary, and others.