Children’s metro rail adventure

Over 700 children got a free ride on metro rail for the first time today following an initiative by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.

Rezaul Kabir, joint secretary of the ministry, confirmed it to The Daily Star.

Of the children, 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.

Since morning, the Agargaon station was brimming with the laughter of children.

They started gathering at the station on several buses.

Nowshad Islam, a class three student who came from Shishu Bikash Kendra in Keraniganj, was overjoyed by the initiative. "My heart is beating faster. I can't wait anymore for the ride," Nowshad told The Daily Star.

"I only see the train on TV. But today I'm on that train. I'm enjoying the journey," he added.

Suchona Akhter, a fourth grader, said, "Previously I saw Padma bridge, but couldn't get any opportunity to ride the train. But see, today, I got the chance. It's an overwhelming moment for me that I'm able to get on the train along with my school friends and classmates."