The Jhalakathi bus stand, a crucial transit hub for the municipality, has become a daily nightmare for commuters. Despite hundreds of people using the terminal daily to travel across the country, the district's main bus terminal lacks basic amenities and is plagued by dilapidated roads, severe waterlogging, and a shortage of passenger shelters and usable toilets.
During a recent spot visit, it was observed that temporary repairs by municipal authorities—using crushed bricks to fill large potholes—have only added to the misery. The resulting dust and sand plague pedestrians, while even light rain turns the area into a muddy, slippery hazard. Consequently, passengers risk injury simply boarding or disembarking from buses.
Vulnerable groups, including women, children, and the elderly, bear the brunt of these conditions. The terminal lacks a proper waiting shelter, forcing passengers to stand under the open sky, exposed to heavy rain and the scorching sun. Furthermore, the only available washroom is outdated and entirely unusable.
"There is no proper place to stand when getting on or off the bus," said Nazma Begum, a frequent passenger. "You have to somehow navigate through mud and water. With no shelter over our heads, we get soaked in the rain and burned by the sun. The situation is especially difficult for women and children."
Bus counter managers echoed these frustrations, noting that despite repeatedly informing the authorities about the deteriorating conditions, no effective measures have been taken.
Tipu Sultan, President of the Bus Owners' and Workers' Union, highlighted the economic impact of the neglect. "Numerous buses leave from here to destinations across the country every day. But because of the broken roads and lack of toilets, many passengers now prefer to travel to Rupatali or Nathullahabad in Barisal to board their buses."
Warning that passenger services will face further disruption if the terminal is not overhauled quickly, Md. Anisur Rahman Tapu, President of the Bus Owners Association, has urgently appealed to the relevant authorities to modernize the facility.
Despite being the district's primary transport hub, the Jhalakathi bus stand remains deprived of minimum facilities. Commuters and transport workers are now waiting to see how quickly the authorities will act to resolve this long-standing crisis.
