Railways ministry moves to compose railway history

Ministry of Railways (MoR) has moved to preserve history by composing a memorial book highlighting its centuries-old history, achievements and heritage scattered throughout the country.

The work has reached its final stage, as the ministry has already held a review meeting on the draft of the book recently. However, it did not involve any experts and former officials, and the implementation committee was formed with officials of the railways and the railway ministry.

It is worth mentioning that the railway has 175 years of history and Bangladesh Railway has many ancient establishments and assets, such as the wooden saloon coach used by Queen Elizabeth II and two museums at Pahartali and the Saidpur Workshop. But the books and articles on the history of the railway

On 24 May 2026, the MoR formed an editorial committee with Additional Secretary Hasan Mahmud as convener and Deputy Secretary BM Masiur Rahman as member secretary.

The nine-member committee includes all railway and ministry officials and did not include any external experts who could help document the history and heritage of Bangladesh. The scope of work includes collection and compilation of information on railway history and heritage.

On 28 October, a review meeting was held on the draft of the book in the ministry, with the secretary in the chair.

Talking to the Daily Sun, the committee's member secretary, BM Moshiur, said, “We will make a photo album portraying centuries-old establishments, such as railway stations and bridges. Later, we will collect written historical accounts in the next phase, as this will be a major task. In that phase, we will hear stories from our old railway staff and officials and engage renowned writers.”

He also said, “Through personal communication, a company named Choitanno Prokashani was engaged. The company is renowned for its photography. They took pictures and showed us. We are selecting those and we will put them in a book with captions only. We will just present this album to foreign dignitaries when we visit abroad or when they visit our office.”

He added that no public bid was invited from interest groups or experts to select a company or individual and award the contract. He also did not say which photographs would be included in the album.

Though the work is related to the public interest, the railway authorities maintain a high level of secrecy.

When asked about the work, the convener of the committee and Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Railways, Hasan Mahmud, said on 12 November, “The work is in a very early stage. We cannot tell you anything. When things mature, we will inform you.”

Talking to the Daily Sun, Professor Dr Mohammad Bilal Hossain from the History Department of Jagannath University said, “There are almost no books, academic works and public museums to showcase its history. The initiative was long overdue, as this historic transport institution has a rich history to offer the younger generation. For example, this generation does not know about the once-popular Fulbaria Railway Station.”

He also said, “The railway has been part of the country's communication system for 175 years, and its history should be preserved through a collective effort by academics and railway authorities. However, if they carry out the work clandestinely, it is very unfortunate.”