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Over 800 kids travel by metro rail

  • Staff Correspondent
  • 31 January, 2023 12:00 AM
  • Print news
Over 800 kids travel by metro rail
Ecstatic children are seen on a special trip on Dhaka Metro Rail on Monday. The Ministry of Women and Children in association with Dhaka Mass Transit Company Ltd arranges the trip for 800 children. – SUN PHOTO

The Agargaon metro rail station was brimming with the laughter of children, as more than 800 kids got a chance to ride the metro rail for the first time on Monday.

The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs with the support of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) took the initiative in this regard.

Of them, 474 were honoured with National Children Award Competition 2020 and 2021, 135 are street children and around 200 are from Shishu Bikash Kendra of Azimpur and Keraniganj centres.

Chairman of Shishu Academy Lucky Enam said, “The children have witnessed the progress of Smart Bangladesh through this trip. They are excited. Everyone is happy to see their happiness.”

Director General of Shishu Academy Anjir Liton said the journey will remain etched on their memories for the rest of their lives.

Sajib, a second grader at the ministry’s Street Child Rehabilitation Centre, said, “I only see the train on TV, but today I got on the train. I’ve enjoyed the ride.”

Metro rail operates from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Children were brought from Agargaon to Uttara and from Uttara to Agargaon again in a special slot after 12:30 PM outside the regular schedule.

Regarding the children’s trip, DMTCL Deputy Director (public relations) Nazmul Islam Bhuiyan said Shishu Academy had officially made a proposal about the trip to DMTCL. Giving them such an opportunity will definitely be a milestone for the metro rail.

DMTCL authorities presented gifts to all the children at the end of the journey. It contained replicas of metro rail and cartoon books called Metrogirl.