JUST seeks train stoppages at Meherullahnagar Station

The administration of Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST) has urged the railway authorities to introduce stoppages for all types of trains, including long-distance intercity services, at Meherullahnagar Railway Station near the university to ease the long-standing travel difficulties of around 5,500 students.

The university sent a letter to the concerned railway authorities on Wednesday (August 12), signed by Registrar Kazi Md Jalal Uddin on the instructions of Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Iarul Kabir.

Copies of the letter were also sent to the Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary, the Education Minister’s Principal Secretary, the Ministry of Railways and the Principal Secretary to the State Minister for Power and Energy.

The letter said JUST has been making significant contributions to the country’s education and research sectors since the 2008-09 academic year.

It said the university has secured top positions in the country in education, research, science and technology in several prestigious national and international rankings, including the Times Higher Education, QS World University and Elsevier rankings.

Following the incorporation of Jhenaidah Veterinary College, the university currently has 38 departments, eight faculties, two institutes, six residential halls and 24 offices.

In the letter, the vice-chancellor urged the authorities to immediately introduce stoppages for intercity and other trains at Meherullahnagar Station to ease the long-standing commuting difficulties of teachers and students.

Prof Dr Iarul Kabir said such a move would be a timely and people-friendly decision by the government.
He said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, was implementing various initiatives to make the country’s railway communication system more modern, safe, affordable and environmentally friendly.

“Considering the long-standing travel difficulties of JUST students, introducing stoppages for intercity and other trains at Meherullahnagar Station, located near the university, is extremely necessary,” he said.

The vice-chancellor said university teachers, officials, employees and students regularly travel to different parts of the country for educational, research, official, administrative and personal purposes.
However, due to the lack of an effective railway connection near the university, they have to travel about 12 kilometres to Jashore Junction Railway Station. This involves additional expenditure of time and money, while passengers often fail to reach the station on time and miss their scheduled trains.

Introducing train stoppages at Meherullahnagar Station would save both time and money and have a positive impact on the university’s academic, research and administrative activities, Prof Kabir said.
He expressed hope that the concerned authorities would consider the importance of the matter and take the necessary steps promptly.

Meherullahnagar Railway Station, located in Churamonkati Union under Jashore Sadar upazila, is the nearest railway station to JUST. However, the station has remained closed for a long time. At present, no intercity train stops there, while only one mail train has a stoppage.

The station, located in Chhatiantala village of Churamonkati Union, was named Meherullahnagar after Karmabir Munshi Meherullah.