India suspends train services with Bangladesh

India has suspended all train services with Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina resigned her premiership and quit the country, media reports say.

A spokesperson from Indian Railways confirmed the matter to Reuters and The Economic Times on Monday afternoon.

Three trains run from Bangladesh to India – the Maitree Express, which runs from Dhaka to Kolkata, the Mitali Express which runs from Dhaka to Jalpaiguri and the Bandhan Express train that runs from Khulna to Kolkata.

It is not yet clear when the train lines will resume operations.

What began as a movement to reform the quota system for government jobs has now turned into a mass movement that toppled the ruling Awami League government. A massive response to the non-cooperation programme called by the Anti-discrimination Student Movement, the platform for the protesters, has seen Sheikh Hasina resign her premiership and leave the country.

Protesters have taken over the Ganabhaban, the official residence of Bangladesh’s prime minister.

People took to the streets in celebration after news of Hasina leaving the country spread. There have been reports of fires at a number of Awami League offices and structures.

Army chief Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman made a televised address to the nation where he said that an interim government would be formed to govern Bangladesh and urged people to refrain from clashes and vandalism.