Students began their blockade around 2:30 pm at the RU railway station, chanting slogans and occupying the tracks. They said the protest was aimed at demanding the postponement of the 47th BCS written examinations and condemning what they described as a brutal police attack on general students.
Senior officials of the Western Railway reached the university railway station around 4:30 pm and held discussions with the demonstrators. However, the students refused to withdraw from the tracks.
Ahsanullah Bhuiyan, Chief Operating Officer of Western Railway, said six trains were stuck due to the blockade—three at Rajshahi Railway Station and three others halted at various points along the route. “Train movement has been completely disrupted,” he said.
Protesting student Mahbub Alam said their earlier peaceful programs had brought no results. “We were forced to intensify our protest yesterday and today,” he said.
According to railway sources, the stranded trains at Rajshahi Railway Station include the Kapotaksh Express (Rajshahi–Khulna), Tungipara Express (Rajshahi–Faridpur), and Padma Express (Rajshahi–Dhaka). Meanwhile, the Banalata Express from Dhaka, the Sagardari Express from Khulna, and the Banglabandha Express are stuck at various stations along their routes.
At Rajshahi Railway Station, passengers were seen sitting helplessly on platforms and inside coaches after the scheduled departure times had long passed. Many reported that railway authorities could not provide clear information on when service would resume. Some passengers refunded their tickets and opted to travel by bus instead.
“We spoke to the students, but they said they will continue their movement until their demands are met,” said Chief Operating Officer Ahsanullah Bhuiyan. “Six trains remain stranded, and passengers are receiving refunds at the counters. It is impossible to maintain the train schedule for yesterday and today under these circumstances.”
