Dhaka, Aug 04 (V7N) – In preparation for the anniversary of the historic July Uprising, the government has arranged eight pairs of special trains to bring citizens and students to Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka for the 'July Declaration' ceremony on August 5. The total cost of these train services—Tk 30.46 lakh—will be covered by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs.

The initiative comes in response to a formal request from the Department of July Uprising, which wrote to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs seeking transportation arrangements for those attending the state program. Following this, the Liberation War Ministry contacted the Ministry of Railways, which confirmed the train services on Sunday.

The day-long commemorative event will culminate in the official reading of the July Declaration at 5 PM by Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Leaders, activists, and citizens from across the country are expected to gather for the event, which marks a key moment in Bangladesh's political transition.

Special Train Routes and Costs

The Ministry of Railways shared details of the special train services, including the number of coaches, seats, and estimated fare costs from each source location:

Source District Coaches Seats Estimated Fare
Chittagong 16 892 Tk 7,00,000+
Joydevpur (Gazipur) 8 736 Tk 72,500
Narayanganj 10 510 Tk 56,500
Narsingdi 12 652 Tk 95,000
Sylhet 11 548 Tk 3.23 lakh
Rajshahi 7 548 Tk 4.85 lakh
Rangpur 14 638 Tk 10.5 lakh
Bhanga (Faridpur) 7 676 Tk 2.61 lakh

The special trains will arrive in Dhaka before noon on August 5 and return passengers to their home districts after the rally concludes.

Response to Criticism

Amid criticism over the use of public funds for political event transport, Railway Ministry Secretary Fahimul Islam defended the move.

“Just as we allow political parties to hire special trains upon request, this time the request came from a government ministry. The cost is being paid—we are simply fulfilling the service,” he said.

Railway officials noted that such special services are charged at least 30% higher than regular fares, aligning with existing policies for chartered trains.

The event is part of a state-sanctioned program, and organizers have promised it will be peaceful and inclusive, commemorating the sacrifices and aspirations that led to the July Uprising and the call for systemic reforms in Bangladesh.

END/RH/AJ