Not for Passengers Anymore

Brand new passenger sheds, third row left, on Airport Road. Gleaming black rods and digital boards both combine to hint at Bangladesh's growing economy and the progress that comes with it. Move a little deeper into the city and another story begins to unravel; one of pretense and utter disregard. Similar passenger sheds had been set up across the city. The sheds fall into disrepair. In areas like Farmgate, Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Khilgaon, Motijheel, Shahbagh and Shajahanpur, the sheds have now broken down. Some no longer even have sheds and only seats that attract those who have no place else to go. In one area, the passenger shed has now become a market for chickens, with hundreds of chickens stored in cages placed there. Local musclemen are alleged to take control of the sheds and then rent it out to small businessmen. In some areas, the sheds act as variety stores.

Photo: Anisur Rahman