A day-long rail blockade by candidates demanding a postponement of the 47th BCS written examination left thousands of commuters stranded in Rajshahi today. Train services were suspended after the blockade began around 2:00pm at the Rajshahi University station area.
Passengers waited for hours without clarity on when trains would resume. Rashedul Islam, an associate professor at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, said he had been waiting since 3:30pm for his 4:00pm train to Dhaka. "It's almost 8:00pm. There is still no trace of the train. I don't know if I will be able to leave," he said.
Abul Kashem, returning to Chapainawabganj after medical treatment, was stuck with his child. "I have been waiting for more than two hours, but there is no train. It's becoming difficult with a child accompanying me," he said.
Mohammad Roton was waiting for a train to Dhaka for surgery. "Had I known this earlier, I would have made other arrangements," he said.
The blockade was enforced by candidates who passed the BCS preliminary exam and are demanding more preparation time before the written test. Students from different halls of Rajshahi University brought out processions before blocking the tracks.
Agitating student Mehraj Hasan Rafi said, "Examinees need a minimum preparation period. If the PSC continues its authoritarian attitude, our blockade will also continue."
Station Manager Ziaul Ahsan said trains, including Tungipara Express, Kapotakkho Express, Dhalarchar Express, Commuter, and Padma Express, could not depart, while Bonolota and Bangla Bandha Express trains could not reach Rajshahi. "We are preparing to refund tickets," he added.
On November 22, students had temporarily withdrawn a seven-hour blockade after assurance from the RU vice-chancellor, but resumed protests today as their demand remained unmet.