Newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced a comprehensive plan to revamp Bangladesh’s railway network to reduce traffic congestion and improve daily life. In a televised address to the nation on Wednesday, February 18, he said the initiative aims to enable people to work and conduct business from their home districts without needing to travel to major cities. As part of the plan, the government will reorganize and coordinate the activities of the rail, shipping, road, and bridges ministries.

Rahman highlighted that traffic congestion in major divisional cities, especially Dhaka, has become nearly uncontrollable, causing severe public suffering. He stressed that without reducing such hardships, public comfort cannot be restored. The Prime Minister also emphasized the need for alternative measures to ease population pressure in the capital and noted that improving rail connectivity would make travel safer, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly.

He further stated that before urging austerity among citizens and officials, he had set an example by deciding that BNP MPs would not import tax-free cars or accept plot benefits from the government.