Additional bogies were added after students seeking admission at Rajshahi University (RU) on Wednesday blocked the Padma Express train.
The train left at 6:24pm which was earlier scheduled for 4pm.
The admission tests of the third shift of the RU B unit ended at 2pm on Wednesday.
Some of the students were able to board the train while a large group of them were sent out of the train by the rail authorities as there was no space for them to sit or stand.
Later, the students blocked the train service and began demonstrations demanding to board the train.
General Manager (GM) of the Western Railway Asim Kumar Talukder tried to convince the aggrieved students that they would be sent to Dhaka on Dhumketu Express leaving at 11:20pm which angered the students further.
Emon, one of the protesting students, said: “I brought a standing ticket. Thousands of students, on the other hand, did not get any tickets. We didn’t even get a place to stand on the train as the railway authorities didn’t provide extra coaches.”
“As a result, we demanded to arrange additional coaches. But as they could not make any arrangements, we stopped the train and staged a protest,” he added.
Another student, Peu Pinky, said: “I didn’t get any bus or train ticket. However, I still chose to get on the train, as being a girl, I had no alternative way to reach Dhaka. But as the train became overcrowded, the rail authorities forced me and many other students to get out.”
Officer-in-Charge of Rajshahi Railway GRP Police Station Rakibul Hossain said: “Railways are national assets. GRP Police is on alert to prevent any damage. Besides, Rapid Action Battalion officials are staying at the spot to avoid any untoward situation.”
Asim Kumar Talukder said: “The weekend schedule of train services were cancelled for the admission test.”
“Additional coaches will be provided in the night-time train and appropriate measures will be taken to carry the students in phases by Thursday,” he observed.
