Anomaly allegation on construction of 17 RCC roads in Tarash

Allegations of widespread irregularities and corruption have been intensified over the construction of 17 RCC roads under Tarash Municipality in Sirajganj district.

The RCC roads built at a cost of Tk 8.47crore under the Ministry of Local Government have started damaging even before handing over to the authorities concerned due to use of substandard materials and faulty construction excluding design. Due to the use of low-quality construction materials and technical defects, cracks have appeared in the W-beams of many roads, which are causing anger among local residents.

Project details and irregularities: According to relevant sources, 17 RCC roads were constructed in Tarash municipal area at a cost of Tk 8.47 crore under the Greater Pabna and Bogura District Urban Infrastructure Development Project in the fiscal year 2024-2025. It has been alleged that, the work was done outside the design on each road.

According to a written complaint filed by Md Ripon Talukder, son of late Abdul Aziz of Tarash to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Aminul Islam, six inches castings were supposed to be given on the roads, but just three inches castings were given. Rods were supposed to be given after four inches, but they were given after 12 inches.

There are hardly any rod rings in the palisadings of the roads. Rejected stones have been used in the works. W-beams have been made with soil and ash. Very low-quality bricks and ash have been used there, the complainant said.

During a spot visit, it was found that the W-beam of the Khutigachha road in the municipal area has collapsed. An attempt is being made to prevent the collapse of the road by burying bamboo poles on the Bhadash Paschim Para road.

A guide wall has been constructed on the Kohit Ambaria road, leaving quite a bit of space on both sides of the road. The roads are wide in some places, narrow in others. In particular, the W-beams on both sides of all the roads have cracked.

Abdul Khalek of Khuntigachha village said that, the W-beam collapsed just one and a half months after the construction of the road. Cracks have developed all over the roads. Saiful Islam of Bhadash village said that, bamboo poles have been buried to prevent the road from collapsing.
A housewife named Rajni Khatun said that, the guide wall was hastily constructed the day before Eid, which is now on the verge of collapsing. Abdur Razzak Raju, Convener of Upazila Nagorik Andolon said that, “Tarash Municipality, also C-class municipality, was established on December 30, 2017. Due to various irregularities and corruption, the municipal authorities have not been able to ensure the provision of minimum civic services to the residents even after so many years.” Complainant Ripon Talukder said, “I believe that, the road will not be lasted even a year due to low-quality works.

But, the authorities concerned remain silent unknown reason. Finding no way, I have submitted a written complaint to the DC.
Declining the allegation of substandard works, Deputy Assistant Engineer of Tarash Municipality Md. Mukul Hossain said, “Road construction work is still ongoing. So there is nothing of disappointment.
Tarash Municipality Accountant Md. Rakib Hossain said that, the entire bills of 16 roads have already been withdrawn. Some money from the Tarash Central Cemetery Pond Road has remained in the bank.
Complainant said, due to lack of proper monitoring, Sohag Rana, owner of the contracting firm SS Enterprise has misappropriated bulk portion of the money by carrying low quality works. But, the authorities concerned did not pay heeds in this regard due to taking commission from the bills.
While contacted, Sohag Rana declined the allegation and said that, there were no irregularities in the construction of the road.
Tarash Upazila Executive Officer and Municipal Administrator Nusrat Jahan said,” I will personally inspect the roads to take action.”
Sirajganj Deputy Administrator Md. Aminul Islam said that, he has received a written complaint regarding this irregularity. He assured that legal action will be taken after investigating the matter. The demand of the common people of Tarash is to take action against the guilty persons subject to investigation and to construct sustainable roads in the public interest.