Parliamentary Proposal For Dhaka To Dinajpur Bullet Train

The National Parliament witnessed a series of ambitious infrastructure and economic proposals on Sunday, 19 April 2026, as Sadique Riaz Pinak Chowdhury, the Member of Parliament for the Dinajpur-2 constituency representing the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), addressed the assembly. During the session presided over by the Deputy Speaker, the MP formally requested the introduction of a high-speed “bullet train” service connecting the capital, Dhaka, to the northern district of Dinajpur.

The Rationale for High-Speed Rail

Articulating the logistical challenges faced by the people of the northern region, Mr Chowdhury noted that the distance between Dhaka and Dinajpur spans approximately 450 kilometres. Currently, the journey by conventional rail or road is time-consuming, often hindering economic integration.

“To ensure rapid transit and modernise our communication infrastructure, a bullet train is no longer a luxury but a necessity for the residents of the North,” the MP stated. He argued that such a project would revolutionise trade and commute, effectively shrinking the geographical divide between the administrative heart of the country and its agricultural frontier.

A Moment of Levity in the Chamber

Beyond his formal demands, Mr Chowdhury garnered significant attention for his witty approach to securing additional speaking time. In a move that prompted a “roar of laughter” from fellow parliamentarians across the aisle, he appealed to the Speaker by saying:

“Honourable Speaker, I hail from the area of the Honourable Prime Minister’s maternal home; please grant me a little more time to speak.”

The Deputy Speaker subsequently extended his floor time, allowing the MP to delve into the specific industrial and agricultural grievances of his constituency.

Industrial Revival and Agricultural Modernisation

The MP’s address focused heavily on the Setabganj Sugar Mill, a vital industrial landmark in his area. Despite possessing over 3,800 acres of land, the mill was shuttered by the previous administration, leading to significant economic hardship for local labourers. Mr Chowdhury called upon the Ministers for Industry and Finance to prioritise its reopening to combat local unemployment. He further highlighted that six other sugar mills across the nation remain closed, while the Thakurgaon Sugar Mill is currently operating under hazardous conditions and requires immediate renovation.

Addressing the agricultural prowess of the Birol region, which is famed for its high-quality lychees, the MP proposed the establishment of specialised cold storage facilities. He noted that while hundreds of millions of Taka worth of lychees are produced annually, the lack of preservation technology leads to massive post-harvest losses.

Strategic Infrastructure and Economic Proposals

The following table summarises the key development requests submitted by the MP during the parliamentary session:

Environmental and Healthcare Concerns

Mr Chowdhury also turned the Parliament’s attention to the ecological potential of his constituency, specifically the vast 3,000-acre Sal forest. He suggested that with structured investment, this forest could be transformed into a premier eco-tourism destination. Furthermore, he proposed integrating the 20 to 25 large ponds within the region into a formalised commercial fisheries framework to bolster the local economy.

Finally, the MP raised concerns regarding the healthcare infrastructure in Birol and Bochaganj. Although both areas possess 50-bed government hospitals, he lamented that the quality of advanced medical care remains insufficient. He urged the Ministry of Health to upgrade these facilities with modern diagnostic equipment and adequate specialist personnel.

The session concluded with the MP reiterating the need to revive the Birol Land Port, an initiative dating back to 2006. He argued that reopening this gateway would significantly enhance bilateral trade with India, providing a sustainable economic lifeline for the northern districts of Bangladesh.