DHAKA: Speakers at a human-chain demonstration here Sunday urged the government to increase manpower in the railway sector and reopen the closed rail-stations at the soonest to breathe dynamism into the country’s communications system as well as the economy.

Save the Environment Movement (SEM) and Work for Better Bangladesh jointly staged the demo in front of the Institute of Fine Arts with Nazmul Karim Sabuj presiding over the gathering of campaigners for rejuvenation of the largest mass-transportation sector, which appears to be losing gear with the passage of time.

They put forward eight-point demands meant for revamping the railway, including the setting up of a separate ministry and budget allocation for Railway Department as well as upgrading the factories at Syedpur, Parbatipur and Pahartali to manufacturing plants for coach wagons, railway locomotives and other railway parts.

It was disclosed at the function that as many as 106 railway stations have been shut down for lack of skilled drivers, stationmasters and manpower. The railway department could not provide standard service to the passengers.

“The neglected railway sector badly needs a push for its uplift and making it environment-friendly and safe for journey,” Sabuj said.
 
SEM Chairman Abu Naser Khan, folksinger Quddus Boyati, Maruf Rahman and Aminur Rasul attended the human-chain demo.
 
BDST: 1220HRS. June 13, 2010
HJS/LY/MUA