Sirajganj BSCIC Industrial Park: Political influence alleged during project’s implementation
Selim Reza, Sirajganj :
More allegations have surfaced against Jafar Bayazid, Project Director of the BSCIC Industrial Park in Sirajganj and Regional Director (in charge) of the BSCIC Regional Office in Rajshahi. He, along with certain higher officials, is accused of amassing crores of Taka through corruption and irregularities during the project’s implementation.
Bayazid reportedly exploited his position by aligning himself with Awami League-backed political leaders such as A.H.M Khayruzzaman Liton, Presidium Member of the Awami League and former Mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC), Habib-a-Millat Munna, former Member of Parliament for the Sirajganj-2 Constituency, and Jannat Ara Talukder Henry, also a former MP for the same constituency.
There are significant allegations of substandard materials being used in the project’s construction. Most materials were supplied by local Awami League, Jubo League, and Chhatra League leaders and cadres, who secured subcontracts from the main contractors.
Inferior-quality bricks, brick chips, cement, and sand were reportedly used in construction. Among the suppliers implicated, SS Construction and Arafat Construction are accused of being primary violators.
Although payments for all bills were allegedly withdrawn by 30 June 2024, work on the project continued at a nominal pace until December, as it remained incomplete.
During a site visit, it was observed that the roads within the project boundary were unevenly constructed, raising concerns about their durability. Locals expressed fears that the roads, made with substandard materials, might deteriorate quickly, with brick chips and asphalt loosening after minimal rainfall.
Given the sandy terrain along the western bank of the Jamuna River, installations, including roads, are at risk of structural vulnerability when subjected to heavy transport loads.
The installation of iron structures on the boundary wall remains incomplete, even seven months past the deadline. Workers were observed setting up iron structures on the boundary wall, but they admitted to using low-quality iron rods and wires provided by the contractors.
They stated, “We have no control over the materials; we work with what the contractors supply.”
Concerns were raised that the low-quality materials used for the boundary wall could compromise security, as the weak iron rods and wires may be easily cut, allowing unauthorised entry into the restricted site.
No representatives from the BSCIC authorities were present during the site visit, although some workers were seen working on a power substation under NESCO’s supervision. Many electricity poles remained without power connections, and the gates of the project site displayed signs of incomplete work.
Locals blamed a lack of proper monitoring by BSCIC authorities for the neglected state of the highly significant and costly installation. They urged senior officials to launch a fair and transparent investigation into the matter. Additionally, they called on the local district administration to take immediate action to safeguard the interests of future entrepreneurs and investors.