Train movement between India and the neighboring country has been suspended since last July due to the unrest in Bangladesh due to the student movement. Then the Kolkata-Dhaka Maitri Express was stopped for an indefinite period. Bandhan Express plying between Khulna and Kolkata and Mithali Express plying between New Jalpaiguri and Dhaka were also stopped at the same time. As of when these trains will be restarted, nothing has been announced by the Bangladesh government so far. The train movement between Bangladesh and India was stopped for many years. It started again in 2008. Maitri Express runs between the two countries. This train was the main hope for the residents of Bangladesh to come to Kolkata for treatment and then back. But for now it is suspended. It is known that on the day when this movement started, the Maitri Express got stuck after going to Dhaka.
In this direction, the voice of opposition to India is increasing in Bangladesh after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government. The relationship between Bangladesh and India is strained. According to sources, India has adopted 'Wet and See' policy in this situation. On the other hand, India is exporting eggs, onions and other items to Bangladesh. But when the train movement between the two countries will start again, nothing clear has been announced yet.
Now India has changed the policy in giving visa to Bangladeshis. According to Indian Embassy and Ministry of External Affairs sources, 'Medical Visa' is being given only on emergency basis. It has also been informed that visas will be issued as before if the situation normalizes.
According to a part of the informed circles about the diplomatic relations between the two countries, in view of the turbulent situation in Bangladesh, India was the first to favor the temporary suspension of train movement. Although later India was proactive about starting this railway, but now the Bangladesh government is sitting a bit 'bent'. The railway authorities of Bangladesh think that passengers will not be available on the train if the visa issue of India is not normal. Due to the lack of passengers, the number of public and private flights of the two countries has also been reduced.
In this context, it is not yet clear when the train movement between the two countries will start again. Kaushik Mitra, chief public relations officer of Eastern Railway, said that the train movement between the two countries will resume only after receiving the green signal from Bangladesh.
