Bibir Pukur Barisal

Bibir Pukur is a traditional reservoir located in the heart of Barisal city. In 1908 AD, Jinnat Bibi dug this pond to alleviate the water problems of the people. Located on the eastern side of Sadar Road in the city, Bibi Pond is 1850 feet long and 400 feet wide. Later the centenary pond came to be known as Bibi Pond after Jinnat Bibi. At that time Bibi Pond had two connections with Kirtankhola river through canals. As a result, tides were regularly seen in this pond just like the river.

Some Christian missionaries arrived in Barisal in early 1600 AD. In his continuation, William Carey, the father of Bengali printing literature, stayed in Barisal in the 1800s. William Carey rescued Jinnat Bibi from Portuguese pirates and took it upon himself to raise her. Jinnat Bibi's residence was the house of Hashem Ali Khan, the minister of undivided Bengal.

After the establishment of Barisal Municipality, Bibi Pond was renovated and re-excavated at various times. Currently the pond is beautified with a hanging park, seating benches, fountains and lighting. Besides, open recreation center Public Square, now known as Hiran Square, has been constructed near Bibi Pond.

It takes about 7-8 hours to go from Dhaka to Barisal by road. Various transport buses ply daily from 6 am to 10 pm at regular intervals from Gabtali Bus Terminal in the capital. Shakura, Eagle and Hanif Paribahan AC/Non-AC bus ticket price is Tk 600 to Tk 1300 per person (variable). Buses going from Dhaka to Barisal usually stop at Natullabad bus stand in Barisal city.

But launch is the best mode for Dhaka-Barisal travel. Barisal-bound launches depart from Sadarghat launch terminal between 8-9pm. The launches reached Barisal Ghat early the next morning. Good service launches include MV Manami, Kuakata 2, Kirtankhola 10, Adventure 1, Adventure 9, Sundarban 9, Sundarban 10, Surabhi 7, Surabhi 8, Parabat 9, Parabat 11 and others. Deck rent per person 200-250 taka, single cabin 1200-1400 taka, double cabin rent 2200-2500 taka. And the VIP cabin fare is Rs.5000 – 8000.

After reaching Barisal's launch ghat or bus stand, you can take a rickshaw to see Bibi Pond located on the east side of Sadar Road in the city.

There are some good quality residential hotels in Barisal. Among them are Hotel Grand Plaza, Hotel Athena International, Hotel Sedona, Richmart Guest House, Rodella Hotel and Hotel Arena.

There is no need to rush to find your favorite food from various quality food hotels/restaurants located in Barisal. Next to Bibi Pond is Sakal Sandhya Hotel, whose luchi sabzi and sarmalai misti are popular with everyone. Besides, there is a domestic hotel nearby, you can eat various types of local food.

Among the popular places of interest near Barisal city are Bibir Pond , 30 Godowns, Bells Park, Durgasagar Dighi , Baitul Aman Mosque , Lakutia Zamindar Bari, Miyabari Jame Masjid, Muktijoddha Park etc.

Feature Image: Nafiz Imtiaz