Patuakhali bus terminal in awful state

With dirty water and stink all around, Patuakhali central bus terminal remains a public nuisance for long.

The Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) built the bus terminal on two acres of land in the town's Kalikapur area beside Patuakhali-Kuakata road at a cost of Tk 1.65 crore in 2003.

The terminal was later handed over to Patuakhali municipality that leases it on yearly basis.

Passengers, especially women, have to suffer as the sanitary system collapsed within a year and the toilets have become unfit for use, said a passenger.

"Passenger can't go to the ticket counter easily as there is a big hole covered by stagnant water near the entrance," said Abu Zafar Khan, counter-in-charge of Sakura Paribahan in Patuakhali.

Due to lack of drainage system, dirty water comes out, spreading bad smell all around. The situation worsens during the rains when dirty water floods the compound, said Abul Hossain, a passenger.

"Passengers often decline to enter the terminal due to its bad condition. They want to get on and down from buses on the road and it poses risk of accident," said a bus owner of Patuakhali.

The problem arises as the terminal has been built without any drainage system, said Golam Maula Dulu, secretary of Patuakhali district bus owners association.

Nazrul Islam, a local resident, said parts of the boundary walls are broken, making the area insecure. The authorities concerned should take immediate steps to solve the problems, he added.

Patuakhali municipality Mayor Dr Shafiqul Islam said the problems would be solved immediately to provide necessary facilities for the passengers.

We are very sincere to ensure all possible facilities for the passengers, he added.