When the quota reform movement turned violent, the Bangladesh Railway began refunding ticket money for trains that had been suspended for security reasons. More than 160 crore 29 lakh taka in ticket refunds have been processed.
From July 19 to July 24, train ticket refunds will be issued to passengers. Tickets purchased online will be refunded online, while those bought at counters will be refunded at the counters. However, it will take at least three days for this process to start. During this time, ticket refunds for international trains that were suspended will also be processed at international counters.
Earlier, on Thursday (July 25), Railway Minister Zillul Hakim stated that refunds are being issued due to the suspension of train services, which has caused the greatest loss. So far, more than 160 crore 29 lakh taka in tickets have been refunded to passengers. Additionally, the total loss to the railways, including both the eastern and western regions, has amounted to 22 crore 3 lakh 8 thousand taka.
He also mentioned that attackers had set fire to three coaches of the Kishoreganj Express, and there were attacks and vandalism on various coaches of the Sonar Bangla, Cox’s Bazar Express, and Parabat Express. Electrical equipment and signals at various stations were damaged, though there were no incidents of rail tracks being uprooted.
Regarding train operations, he said that attacks on various machinery at trains and stations across the country have created conditions where it is not yet feasible to resume train services. Decisions about resuming train operations will be made based on the situation.
The minister noted that while the number of engines and coaches is limited, efforts are being made to provide rail services. Train operations will depend on the evolving situation, and no decision has yet been made. Discussions have also been held with the Prime Minister on this issue. The railway wants to avoid any situation that would push it back into a crisis. Train operations will depend on the state of readiness.
It is worth noting that on July 18, when quota reform protesters set fire on the railway tracks in the Nakhalpara railgate area of Dhaka, the Bangladesh Railway suspended train services for public safety reasons.
