Diplomatic Correspondent: Minister of Railways Md. Nurul Islam Sujan MP met with the Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Mantitsky. During the meeting, the Minister called upon the Ambassador to invest in the railway sector in Bangladesh.

The two met on Monday (November 1) at the Railway House.

During the meeting, the Railway Minister mentioned the role of Russia during independence and also the recognition of post-independence Russia by Bangladesh.

"Our railway is divided into two parts by the river Jamuna," he said. Broad gauge in the west and meter gauge in the east. We have taken the initiative to convert all the lines to broad gauge in phases. Also most of us are single line. We have also taken initiative to gradually upgrade all single lines to double lines.

The Railway Minister further mentioned that the Prime Minister has formed a separate ministry in 2011 considering the needs of the people. Since then the government started investing in the railway sector.

"We are looking for foreign investment in the railways," Sujan said. There are many projects underway in the railways at present, many projects will be taken up in the future.

He mentioned that we are undertaking various projects to implement the master plan for the development of the railway sector.

Sujan also called on Russia to invest in ongoing development projects in Bangladesh's railway sector. "We are collecting new coaches and engines in the railways," he said. New lines are being built. The bridge is being built and renovated. The signaling system is being modernized. Russia can invest in all these areas, including setting up a joint training institute with Bangladesh.

When the Russian ambassador invited the railway minister to visit Russia, the minister agreed to visit Russia at an appropriate time next month, accepting a proposal to visit Russia's railway communication system, technology, railway coach and engine manufacturing factory.

Secretary of the Ministry of Railways Md. Selim Reza, Director General of Bangladesh Railway Dhirendra Nath Majumder and Third Secretary of the Russian Embassy Anton Vereschagin were present at the occasion.