Rail communication between Rajshahi and the rest of the country has remained suspended since early Tuesday after Rajshahi University (RU) students blocked the tracks following the alleged assault of a fellow student by railway staff.
The blockade began around 3:30am near the campus and was continuing as of 10am.
The victim was identified as Forkan Uddin, a student of the 2019‑20 session in the Department of Law. Protesters said Forkan was returning to Rajshahi from Dhaka on the Padma Express when a Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) allegedly tried to collect money from passengers without issuing receipts.
Forkan protested and was reportedly assaulted by the TTE and other staff.
As news spread, agitated students moved to the railway lines to launch their protest.
Mamunul Islam, General Manager of West Zone Railway, confirmed that the accused employee has been temporarily suspended. He said an inquiry committee will be formed to investigate the matter.
“There are mismatches between the allegations made by the students and the statement of the accused employee,” the GM said.
“The employee claims the incident stemmed from a dispute over half fare. A neutral investigation will be conducted after taking statements from all parties.”
The blockade has disrupted train schedules, with the Bonolota Express, scheduled to depart Rajshahi at 7am, unable to start its journey. Passengers at Rajshahi station are facing immense suffering due to the suspension of services.
Railway authorities and the university administration are in talks with the students to resolve the situation and restore normal operations.
