The apex apparel trade body BGMEA has reiterated the call for speedy completion of the ongoing railway development projects across the country, as enhancing the capacity of railways will help derive economic benefits by meeting growing demand for passenger and freight transportation.
"The expanding economy of Bangladesh has reinforced the need for upgrading railway connectivity including building new tracks, converting single lines to double tracks, and the existing rail lines into dual gauge," said Faruque Hassan, president of BGMEA (Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association).
The apparel sector leader made the demand in a meeting with Railways Secretary Dr Md Humayun Kabir at the Rail Bhaban in the city on Tuesday.
BGMEA Vice President Miran Ali and Director Asif Ashraf were also present at the meeting.
Earlier, on January 11, the BGMEA leaders met Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan and requested the latter to launch a special DEMU (diesel-electric multiple unit) train service from Dhaka to Sreepur for workers and employees of garment and textile factories.
They also called for the implementation of the inland container depot (ICD) project in the Gazipur's Dhirashram area to cater to the rapid growth of containerised traffic.
They said construction of an ICD on the western bank of the Jamuna River in Sirajganj district would facilitate transportation of raw materials for RMG and essential commodities from India.
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