[4] Rail transport in Bangladesh (formerly known as British India) began on 15 November 1862, when 53.11 km of 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) (broad gauge) line was opened between Darshana in Chuadanga District and Jogotee in Kushtia District.

[11] In 1998, the Jamuna Bridge was built to connect the previously divided east and west rail networks in dual gauge.

[13] In September 2010, the Government of Bangladesh approved ten rail development projects costing 19·9 billion Bangladeshi taka including plans for new tracks and rolling stock.

[14] To bolster the bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh, the Ministry of Railways in India has supplied 20 Broad Gauge (BG) locomotives to its eastern neighbour, thus contributing to the railway infrastructure of Bangladesh.

These locomotives have been appropriately modified by the Indian side to align with the requirements of Bangladesh Railway.

The provision of these locomotives will aid in managing the growing volume of passenger and freight train operations in Bangladesh, thereby supporting the enhancement of its railway system.

It is worth noting that previously, in June 2020, the Indian Government had granted 10 locomotives to Bangladesh, further contributing to the improvement of its railways.

[15] In 2011, Sheikh Hasina Wazed, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, officiated at the start of construction of a link which would cross several rivers to reach Cox's Bazar.

The 100 kilometres (62 mi) of dual gauge line started from the railhead at Dohazari, southeast of Chittagong.

In 2015, construction of a 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) branch to Agartala, Tripura in Northeast India commenced.

[17] In 2022, construction of 6,250 metres (20,510 ft) long Padma Bridge was completed and the bridge was thrown open after inauguration by Sheikh Hasina Wazed, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh to connect Dhaka with Faridpur via Narayanganj.

Each zone is divided into two divisions with departments for personnel, transportation, commercial, finance mechanical, way and works signalling, telecommunication, electrical and medical services.

[21] Salma Khatun became their first female train driver in 2004 when she joined as an assistant locomaster (ALM).

[22] Because of the lack of overnight facilities, and even toilets, for female staff, most prefer the shorter shuttle routes over long distance ones.

[21] Bangladesh Railway's fleet of diesel locomotives includes both diesel-electric and diesel-hydraulic machines.

However, all 20 DEMU sets have been abandoned ten years later due to lack of maintenance.

A goods train operates from Singhabad and Petrapole, India to Rohanpur and Benapole, Bangladesh.

[34] Inter-city services, contribute to over seventy percent of Bangladesh Railway's revenue.

In April 2008, the Maitri Express between Dhaka and Kolkata came into operation on the Gede – Darsana route 400 kilometres (250 mi).

[36] On 9 November 2017, a new weekly train, the Bandhan Express, came into operation between Khulna and Kolkata via Petrapole and Benapole 176 kilometres (109 mi).

[37] Recently in 2021, another new weekly train, the Mitali Express, came into operation between New Jalpaiguri and Dhaka via Parbatipur and Iswardi 500 kilometres (310 mi).

In addition, many inter-city rail services operate between the nation's two largest cities, Dhaka and Chattogram.

All inter-city trains are partially air-conditioned, feature padded leather seats and provide passengers with on-demand sheets, pillows, blankets, as well as meals in a dining car.

These include one block hut, thirteen train halts, and four goods booking points.