Indian Railways Cancels Kolkata-Dhaka Train Amid Bangladesh Turmoil

Indian Railways has announced the cancellation of all train services to Bangladesh, including the Kolkata-Dhaka-Kolkata Maitri Express, from July 19th until August 6th. This decision comes in response to the recent violent clashes in Bangladesh, which have resulted in at least 300 deaths.

The turmoil in Bangladesh escalated on Sunday, with intense clashes raising the death toll. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on Monday amidst the unrest, as confirmed by officials from the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi. Reports indicate that Hasina and her sister have left the country. Army Chief Waker-uz-Zaman, in a televised address, declared that the military would form an interim government. He is scheduled to address the nation at 4 pm today, according to the Daily Star.

The situation in Bangladesh has grown increasingly dire, with protesters launching a "Long March to Dhaka" in defiance of a nationwide curfew imposed today. They are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Hasina, who has accused the demonstrators of "sabotage" and has cut off mobile internet access. In response, the military has declared a new, indefinite curfew to maintain law and order.

India has responded to the unrest by issuing a high alert across the India-Bangladesh border. The Border Security Force (BSF) is on heightened alert due to the developments in the neighboring country. The Ministry of External Affairs has advised all Indian citizens to avoid traveling to Bangladesh. Those already in the country have been urged to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and maintain contact with the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.

The suspension of the Kolkata-Dhaka-Kolkata Maitri Express highlights the significant impact of the political instability in Bangladesh on cross-border travel and regional security. The situation remains volatile, and further updates are awaited as the interim government takes shape and addresses the ongoing crisis.