Local people staged a demonstration on Monday alleging irregularities in an ongoing road construction project under Faridpur municipality of Faridpur district.

According to municipal sources, a 388-metre (uni-block) road is being constructed at a cost of Tk 36.90 lakh near Harokandi Government Primary School in Ward No. 14 under the engineering department of the municipality.

The project is being implemented by M/s Mirza Construction, a contracting firm based in Sirajganj.

The work began around three months ago and is being supervised by a representative of the contractor along with a local resident, Murad Sheikh.

During a visit to the site on Monday construction work was found ongoing.

At that time, locals halted the work and staged a demonstration, alleging that substandard materials were being used in the project.

Protesters Bahar Sheikh and Shamim Hossain, also known as Samiul, claimed that low-quality blocks were being used and that the thickness was only three inches instead of the specified six inches.

They also alleged that soil mixed with polythene and waste materials, along with low-grade brick chips, was being used in the construction.

On receiving information about the unrest, a team of police led by Sub-Inspector Asaduzzaman from Kotwali Police Station rushed to the spot.

The protesters calmed down after police assured them of a proper investigation into the allegation.

When contacted, Sub-Assistant Engineer Md Laizing Hossain Raju, who is overseeing the project, admitted that he had noticed some irregularities and said the contractor had been warned.

When asked about the allegations, Municipal Administrator and Deputy Director of the Local Government Division Md Sohrab Hossain said complaints had been received regarding the use of substandard materials and that the executive officer had been instructed to take necessary action.