DHAKA, Feb 19, (V7N) - Railways Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam today said the government will take measures to reorganize Bangladesh Railway (BR) and turn it into a profitable, service-oriented institution.

“The government no longer wants to see Bangladesh Railway as a loss-making organization. It has to be reorganized and turned into a profitable and service-oriented institution,” Alam told a views-exchange meeting with ministry and BR officials at Setu Bhaban.

He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has given special importance to railway development and passenger service improvements, in line with the BNP’s election manifesto that pledged to revitalize the railway as the backbone of national transport.

The minister said directives have been issued to prevent ticket black-marketing, curb corruption, and ensure smooth, harassment-free train journeys during the upcoming Eid al-Fitr.

Alam instructed officials to prepare a practical action plan within 180 days to implement the manifesto. He also said steps will be taken within a week to reduce travel time on the Dhaka–Chattogram route.

State Ministers for Railways Habibur Rashid and Md Rajib Ahsan attended the meeting as special guests. Railways Secretary Md Fahimul Islam presided, while Director General of Bangladesh Railway Md Afzal Hossain and senior officials were present.

END/RH