Students of Government Titumir College have blocked the railway track in Mohakhali, demanding university status for their institution.
As a result, train services on the Dhaka-Tongi-Dhaka route have been suspended since 3:40pm on Monday.
Station Master Mohammad Anwar Hossain of Dhaka Railway Station confirmed the suspension of train services.
He said that operations on the Dhaka-Tongi-Dhaka section remain halted for the time being.
According to station sources, 18 intercity trains were scheduled to depart from Dhaka, but 17 of them may experience delays.
The affected trains include: Sirajganj-bound Sirajganj Express (776), Chittagong-bound Subarna Express (702), Tarakandi-bound Jamuna Express (745), Chilahati-bound Chilahati Express (805), Dewanganj-bound Brahmaputra Express (743), Kishoreganj-bound Egarsindhur Godhuli (749), Khulna-bound Chitra Express (764), Panchagarh-bound Purtiyan Express (757), Kurigram-bound Kurigram Express (797), Chittagong-bound Mahanagar Express (722), Lalmonirhat-bound Lalmoni Express (751), Sylhet-bound Upaban Express (740), Mohanganj-bound Haor Express (777), Cox’s Bazar-bound Cox’s Bazar Express (814), Rajshahi-bound Padma Express (759), Chittagong-bound Turna Express (742), and Panchagarh-bound Panchagarh Express (793). However, Benapole-bound The Benapole Express (796), is unlikely to be delayed as it will pass through the Padma Bridge instead.
At 3:40pm, students took out a procession and blocked the railway track.
On-duty railway workers immediately signalled red flags, prompting the Upakul Express train driver to gradually slow down and stop the train near the Mohakhali rail gate.
Earlier, the Upakul Express, which had already departed from Dhaka, was instructed to return from Mohakhali.
Locomaster Latif said: "We immediately informed higher authorities, and they instructed us to take the train back. It will likely be stationed at Tejgaon railway station, but I am awaiting further signals."
