People suffer as Patuakhali bus terminal in awful state

Passengers using the Patuakhali central bus terminal are suffering a lot due to water-logging in the terminal, which hampers their movement.

The Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) built the terminal at Kalikapur area on Patuakhali-Kuakata road with the World Bank's assistance at a cost of Tk 1.65 crore in 2003. Since then, Patuakhali municipality has been earning revenue from the bus terminal every year through leasing it.

Most areas of the terminal go under water when it rains as there is no drainage system and rainwater can't flow out, causing immense suffering to the passengers. The sanitation system also collapsed long ago. The toilets have become unfit for use, especially for women passengers.

“There are many potholes filled up with stagnant water at the gate. As a result, passenger can't go to the ticket counters easily,” said Abu Zafor Khan, counter-in-charge of Sakura Paribahan. The terminal remains dark at night as there is no electricity connection, which makes the passengers feel insecure, he added.

Md Ujjal Mridha, a local, said the boundary wall of the terminal is broken at many points. Passengers feel insecure as anyone can easily enter the terminal through the broken sections.

Dr Shafiqul Islam, mayor of Patuakhali municipality, said the problems of the bus terminal will be solved soon, and necessary facilities will be ensured considering the interest of the passengers. “We have built a mosque for the passengers,” he added.