Train services across the country have been halted since early Tuesday due to a strike by railway running staff, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and in distress.
At Dhaka's Kamalapur Railway Station, many unaware travelers arrived hoping to board their scheduled trains, only to find services suspended.
Some passengers lingered at the station, uncertain about their next move, while others decided to leave after realizing the trains were not running.
Among the crowd were women and children, all waiting with no clear direction.
To manage the situation and ensure safety, police personnel were deployed to maintain order and prevent any disturbances.
In Rajshahi, frustrated passengers vandalized the station, breaking chairs and forcefully banging doors to various rooms inside.
Passengers were also upset when the Titumir Express, scheduled to depart Rajshahi Railway Station for Chilahati at 6:20am, was not operational due to the strike.
Passengers expressed anger over railway authorities continuing to sell tickets online despite the shutdown.
In addition, one railway employee was reportedly assaulted, and two others were detained by the angry passengers, who demanded the resumption of services.
Titumir Express passenger Mohammad Ali said that authorities should have informed passengers about the suspension through SMS. Many had arrived at the station, only to find the trains were canceled.
Rajshahi Railway Station Manager Shahidul Alam said the passengers’ frustration led to the damage of chairs. The incident has been reported to higher authorities, and refunds will be provided for tickets purchased at the counter. Online ticket buyers will also receive refunds within three business days.
He added that the situation at the station is now under control.
Rajshahi Running Staff Unity Council Convener Aminul Islam confirmed that the train shutdown would continue in Rajshahi as part of the central committee's strike, and they would not stop until their demands were met.
In Rangpur, hundreds of passengers are stranded due to the strike.
Mahbub from Shalban said his daughter, returning from Dhaka Medical College, missed the Kurigram Express, and no information is available about its arrival.
Shamila Begum, waiting to go to Chilamari with her family, added they had been waiting since 7am with no train in sight.
Rangpur Railway Station Master Shankar Ganguly confirmed all 15 intercity services are halted, and there is little they can do.
Our Rajshahi correspondent Dulal Abdullah and Rangpur correspondent Liakat Ali Badal contributed to this report
