Tk2 crore bus terminal yet to begin operating in Bandarban

The Lama municipality bus terminal that was inaugurated five months ago—and funded by the Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board in Bandarban's Lama upazila—is yet to begin operating.

Inaugurated by the Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Bahadur Ushwe Sing on October 30, 2018, the Tk2 crore bus terminal was constructed to end the suffering of the locals. It was supposed to provide adequate parking space for the vehicles which, till now, have been parked on the roads, creating traffic congestion and hazards.

Md Kawser Ali, a passenger travelling from Lama to Bandarban, expressing the frustration of the locals said: "It has been a while since the Lama bus terminal was completed. However, it is yet to become operational. 

"Thus we are facing problems every day."

According to the census of 2011, the total population of Lama upazila is 113,413. Buses, trucks, minibuses, and other vehicles are being temporarily kept at the Lama municipal Eidgah ground as the new bus terminal is yet to being operating. 

As a result, the passengers, station masters, drivers—as well as the helpers—are greatly inconvenienced.  

Adding to this, the temporary bus terminal does not have a public toilet nor does it possess seating arrangements for the passengers.

When contacted, Lama's Matamuhuri bus service driver Jahangir said: "The bus terminal was supposed to be operational long ago but as this has not happened, the passengers have to get off the bus in the middle of the road. 

"Most of the time this creates traffic congestion."

Addressing the matter on hand, Lama municipality Mayor Jahirul Islam said: "We had some budget-related issues. Thus were unable to make the terminal operational.

"However, we are hopeful that the bus terminal will be open for the use by the general public very soon."