Train services across Bangladesh have come to a standstill due to a nationwide strike that began at midnight on Monday, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and frustrated. The railway advisor, Muhammad Fazlul Kabir Khan, has called for an immediate withdrawal of the strike, emphasizing ongoing discussions with the finance division to address the demands of railway staff.

Speaking to journalists at Kamalapur Railway Station on Tuesday morning, Fazlul Kabir Khan stated, "The demands are clear, but halting train services and holding passengers hostage is unfortunate. Resolving this matter is beyond the sole jurisdiction of the Ministry of Railways, as it involves financial matters. However, we are confident that a resolution will be reached soon."

The strike, led by the railway’s running staff, has brought all train operations to a halt, including major routes to cities like Mymensingh, Netrakona, Rajshahi, and Cox's Bazar. The disruption has caused immense hardship for passengers, many of whom were unaware of the strike when they arrived at the stations.

On Tuesday morning, Kamalapur Railway Station presented an unusual scene of silence, with ticket counters and waiting areas eerily quiet. Passengers arriving at the station expressed confusion and frustration over the sudden suspension of services. Families traveling for leisure, particularly those headed to destinations like Rajshahi and Cox’s Bazar, found themselves stranded in the cold, with no alternative arrangements.

One passenger lamented, "We had no prior information that trains would not be running. Now we’re stuck here without any backup plan."

In Rajshahi, tensions escalated as passengers, unaware of the strike, arrived at the station only to find their trains canceled. The scheduled departure of the Titumir Express at 6:20 a.m. was abruptly halted due to the ongoing work stoppage. Frustrated by the lack of communication and continued ticket sales despite the strike, passengers staged protests, some resorting to vandalism.

Chairs in the waiting area were broken, and angry commuters banged on doors inside the station in an attempt to voice their grievances. Passengers criticized the railway authorities for selling tickets online without informing them of the disruption.

"Why are they still selling tickets when they know the trains are not running?" questioned one irate commuter. "Most of us had no idea about this strike, and now we’re stuck with no way to travel."

The strike, organized as part of pre-announced protests by railway staff in Rajshahi, has brought widespread criticism from the public. Fazlul Kabir Khan acknowledged the passengers' plight and reiterated the urgency of finding a solution. "We are actively discussing the issue with the finance division. It is a complex matter, but we believe a resolution is imminent," he added.

The ongoing disruption has highlighted the fragility of Bangladesh's railway system and the urgent need for better communication and coordination during such crises. Passengers and stakeholders now await the outcome of the ongoing discussions, hoping for a swift resolution that restores normalcy to the country’s rail network.