A special train will take Awami League leaders and activists to Rajshahi where they will attend a rally on January 29.

State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak made the announcement at a meeting in Natore yesterday.

The special train from Natore will be able to carry 8,000 to 10,000 people, he said, adding that the train will leave Madhabnagar station and stop at Naldanga, Basudevpur, Natore Sadar, and Yasinpur before reaching Rajshahi.

Asked whether a train can be arranged for a political event, Palak said, "We have hired the train. This special train will not affect the schedule of regular trains."

The AL men would pay for the ride, he said. "Had we booked the entire Rupsha [a regular train], the general commuters would not have been able to board the train.

"We have the permission from the railway minister to hire the special train," he added.

The AL will also hire around 500 buses, trucks and other vehicles ahead of the rally.

Rajshahi AL is organising the rally at Madrasa Maidan on January 29 as part of its national election campaign. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will attend the rally.

Contacted, Quamrul Ahsan, director general of Bangladesh Railway, said AL leaders from Joypurhat, Natore and Shantahar asked for special trains, but he was yet to receive a formal application.

He added that special trains could be rented out.