Railways Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam has declared a new direction for the country’s rail network, stating that Bangladesh Railway must transition from a loss-making entity into a profitable and service-oriented institution.
Speaking as the chief guest at an exchange meeting with railway officials at Rail Bhaban today (19 February), Minister Rabiul emphasized that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has placed special focus on modernizing the sector and enhancing the passenger experience.
Key Directives for Reform
During the meeting, the minister outlined several critical directives aimed at restructuring the railway operations:
- Combating Corruption: Strict instructions were given to stop ticket black marketing and eliminate corruption within the sector.
- Action Plan Formulation: Relevant authorities have been asked to prepare a feasible action plan within 180 days to implement commitments outlined in the BNP’s election manifesto, which pledged to revitalize railways as the central backbone of national transport.
- Dhaka-Chattogram Route Optimization: Officials were directed to explore and implement ways to reduce travel time on the vital Dhaka-Chattogram route within one week.
- Eid-ul-Fitr Preparations: The minister emphasized ensuring smooth and hassle-free journeys for passengers during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holiday season.
Leadership Presence
The meeting was chaired by Railways Secretary Md Fahimul Islam. Notable attendees included State Ministers Habibur Rashid and Md Rajib Ahsan, alongside Bangladesh Railway Director General Md Afzal Hossain.
