United News of Bangladesh

Concerns are mounting over the quality of a road reconstruction project in Kaliganj Upazila of Lalmonirhat district after allegations surfaced that substandard materials are being used in the government-funded work. Local residents allege that low-quality brick chips are being used in the road’s base layer, casting doubt on its long-term durability. The ongoing work involves reconstructing approximately 900 metres of road from Duhuli Bazar to Namurihat in Chawlbala Union. Locals allege that the contractor is rushing the work using substandard and unnumbered brick chips (rabbish), ignoring repeated objections from the community. Read more: Sylhet waterlogging mitigation project delayed again; sees 44pc cost surge Residents are criticising the muted response of some officials and staff from the Kaliganj Upazila Engineering Office, questioning their accountability in monitoring the project. Sources reveal that the road reconstruction is part of the Rural Road Maintenance Project, being implemented by the contractor Shan Traders, with a projected cost of Tk 7,524,690 under tender notice number 05/25-26. The work started on December 31, 2025 and is scheduled for completion by March 31, 2026. However, allegations suggest that the contractor is attempting to expedite the project through substandard work. Local resident Mohammad Habib Mia expressed his frustration, saying, “They are laying the road with inferior brick chips. It will be destroyed in a short period, and we will face the same hardships as before. We have protested, but no one pays attention.” A field visit on Monday afternoon confirmed the claims. Despite the presence of two assistant officers responsible for monitoring the project, substandard materials were being used openly. Sub-Assistant Engineer Md. Simon, in charge of supervision, declined to comment when approached by the media. Quilt makers race against time as bone-chilling cold grips Lalmonirhat Attempts to reach the contractor, Mashiur Rahman, were unsuccessful, as he did not answer calls. In response, Upazila Engineer Md Habibur Rahman Habib said instructions have been issued to remove the substandard material. If these directives are ignored, necessary action will be taken against the contractor, he added.

Almost three decades after being upgraded to a first-class municipality, Chuadanga still struggles to deliver the basic urban facilities its residents had hoped for. A faulty drainage network and crumbling roads have left the town’s nine wards vulnerable to flooding, even after a spell of light rain. For many here, the problem has become part of daily life. Every monsoon, rainwater accumulates on the streets, drains overflow and stagnant pools linger for days, turning neighbourhoods into muddy obstacle courses. While the entire municipality suffers, the situation is particularly dire in Buzrukgargari, Banani Para, Shantipara, Sabuj Para, Sadek Ali Mallik Para, Palash Para, Gulshan Para, Mukti Para, South Hospital Para and Mosque Para areas. Chattogram’s costly failure: Waterlogging persists despite mega drainage projects “Every monsoon brings panic,” said Pial Khan, a resident of Palash Para. “The roads go underwater and walking with children at night becomes a dangerous adventure," he said. From Gulshan Para, Mustafizur Rahman Konok shared a similar account. “The drains haven’t been cleaned in three years. The outlets are blocked and rainwater submerges the whole area,” he said.