RU students block rail line in Rajshahi, halting train services nationwide

Students of Rajshahi University (RU) have blocked railway lines in protest over allegations that a Ticket Inspector (TTI) of the Padma Express train beat and humiliated a student. The blockade has temporarily suspended all train services between Rajshahi and the rest of the country.

The incident occurred around 3am on Monday night, leaving passengers facing severe hardship.

The victim is Forkan Uddin, a student of the 2019-20 session (67th batch) of the university's Law Department. According to the victim, he was returning to Rajshahi on the Padma Express train from Dhaka when he noticed TTIs collecting money from passengers without issuing receipts. When he protested, 6-7 TTIs grabbed him by the neck from behind and took him between two compartments. They repeatedly beat him on the neck and back. At one point, they pushed him towards the window and attempted to throw him out.

The protesting students have put forward a four-point demand: the accused TTI must be presented physically; since he accepted bribes, he should be permanently dismissed and legal action taken against him for attempted murder; the victim student must be compensated; and all long-distance trains must stop at Rajshahi University station.

Forkan Uddin said, "I was returning to Rajshahi on the Padma Express last night. I noticed TTIs taking money from passengers without giving receipts. They were taking money but not issuing receipts. I protested and told them that railway money is state property. Why are you taking money without issuing tickets? As a conscious citizen, I protested."

He added, "Suddenly, 6-7 TTIs grabbed me by the neck from behind and took me between two compartments. They beat me on the neck and back. At one point, they took me to the window and pushed me hard. I could have fallen. My glasses were broken. I demand punishment for the accused."

Meanwhile, Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (Rakshu) has expressed concern over the incident. Rakshu GS Salauddin Ammar was present at the blockade site in support of the students' movement. Rakshu VP Mostakur Rahman Zahid said in a Facebook post that the blockade will continue until the demands are met.

The Western Region Railway General Manager did not respond to multiple calls.

University Proctor Professor Dr Mahbubur Rahman said, "One of our students was severely beaten by TTIs last night. Our students are blocking the railway line in protest. We understand the inconvenience to passengers, but the students' demands are also reasonable. We are trying to resolve the issue by talking to both parties."

Rakshu said in a statement that the RU student was attacked when he protested against a TTI who was allowing ticketless passengers in exchange for bribes without issuing receipts. The TTI and his associates locked him in a room and beat him. The statement claimed the accused TTI pushed the student towards the door of the moving train, but he survived as the door was closed. Rakshu described this as a planned attempt to murder.

Rakshu has demanded that the accused TTI be brought before the university administration and students for accountability, be permanently dismissed and face legal action for attempted murder, the victim be compensated, and all long-distance trains be made to stop at Rajshahi University station. The statement warned that if the demands are not met, students will be forced to enforce stricter programmes, for which the railway authorities will be responsible.

A meeting has been scheduled at the Divisional Commissioner's office to resolve the issue, with railway authorities, the Divisional Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner and students set to attend.