Two trains faced significant schedule disruptions in Khulna on Thursday due to simultaneous protest activities in Faridpur’s Bhanga and a general strike in Bagerhat, both linked to demands for the restoration of a parliamentary seat.
Protesters blocked highways and railway tracks, affecting the movement of passenger trains and causing inconvenience to travellers.
One of the affected trains, a commuter service from Benapole to Khulna, was halted at Phultala Station in Khulna and later forced to return to Benapole without completing its journey.
Meanwhile, Dhaka-bound Jahanabad Express became stranded at Muksudpur Station in Faridpur in the early morning hours.
Originally scheduled to arrive at Kamalapur Railway Station in Dhaka by 9:45 AM, the train faced long delays due to a blockade.
Speaking to reporters, Khulna Railway Station Master Zakir Hossain said that the commuter train had departed Benapole as usual, en route to Mongla, but could not proceed past Phultala due to the ongoing general strike in Bagerhat. As a result, the train was instructed to return to Benapole.
He further explained that Jahanabad Express, carrying Dhaka-bound passengers, was stuck at Muksudpur from the early morning. With no clear path forward, the passengers were left stranded for hours.
Eventually, under instructions from higher authorities, the train was rerouted. At 3:00 PM, it resumed its journey via Kashiani and Rajbari, taking an alternative route to reach Dhaka.
Zakir Hossain noted that train schedule disruptions were caused by combination of road and rail blockades in Faridpur’s Bhanga and the shutdown in Bagerhat, both linked to regional political demands.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely to resume normal train operations as soon as possible.
SMS/SH
