Jubilation at Darshana Station After Years of Struggle

Darshana Halt Station, widely known as the frontier and industrial hub of Chuadanga, witnessed a historic moment as the long-demanded stoppage of the Sundarban Up Express train towards Dhaka was finally implemented.

At precisely 12:12 am last night, the train made its first-ever halt at Darshana Station, sparking scenes of overwhelming joy among the residents who had been pressing for this demand over many years.

Although only 15 tickets were officially allocated for Darshana passengers on the inaugural day, over 50 travellers boarded from Darshana by purchasing tickets from other stations. This reflected the overwhelming enthusiasm and eagerness of the locals.

From the evening, people of all ages flocked to the station premises to witness the historic event. The station yard was illuminated with colourful lights, and the crowd eagerly awaited the train’s arrival. Local students and volunteers arranged hospitality, distributing food and refreshments to visitors.

When the train rolled into the platform late at night, activists raised slogans in triumph. The train’s driver, guards, and railway staff were warmly welcomed with flowers and food. Passengers arriving on the train were also greeted in the same manner

The demand for Sundarban Express’s halt at Darshana had been ongoing for decades. Despite repeated appeals, the issue remained unresolved due to political reluctance and administrative complications.

Matters took a decisive turn last month, when the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement launched a strong protest, garnering widespread support from all sections of society. Eventually, railway authorities approved the stoppage, culminating in last night’s historic first halt.

A number of political and social leaders, activists, and organisers attended the event, including:

• Maulana Azizur Rahman (Naib-e-Ameer, Jamaat, Chuadanga District)
• Anwarul Islam Babu (Central Leader, JASAD)
• Habibur Rahman Bullet (Coordinator, Darshana Municipality BNP)
• Tanvir Rahman Onik (Former Joint Convenor, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Chuadanga)
• Maulana Abdul Khalek (Jamaat Leader)
• Mukul Shah, Moshiur Rahman, Iqbal Hossain (BNP Coordinators, Darshana Municipality)
• Tanzil Hossain (President, Jamaat’s Youth Division, Darshana Municipality)
• Lokman Hossain (President, Islami Chhatra Shibir, Darshana Thana)
• Molla Shafi Uddin (Acting Principal, Darshana DS Madrasa)
• Touhid Hossain, Abid Hasan Rifat (Leaders, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement)
• Jalal Uddin Liton (President, Thana Jubo Dal)
• Soroar Hossain (Joint Convenor, Thana Jubo Dal)
• Palash Ahmed (College Unit Leader, Chhatra Dal)

Despite the joy, leaders and residents strongly demanded an increase in ticket allocation for Darshana passengers, as the initial quota was deemed insufficient.

Speakers at the event emphasised that this achievement was the result of unity and collective struggle. They also urged people to remain united in pursuit of a larger goal—establishing 

After a brief 10-minute stop, the Sundarban Express resumed its journey towards Dhaka, leaving behind a night of celebration, unity, and renewed hope for Darshana’s people.