Hridoy Howlader, Kotalipara (Gopalganj).

A 74-foot girder bridge is being constructed over a canal only 22 feet wide, sparking widespread allegations of irregularities and corruption in Kotalipara. 

Locals have submitted a written complaint to the UNO demanding an investigation into the matter.

According to the complainants, during the construction of the bridge in Pabnar Par village, several irregularities occurred, including the use of fewer rings in the piles than specified. They also allege that half of each pile was buried underground while the remaining rods were cut off and sold by the contractor.

Sources at the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) said that under the “Important Infrastructure Development Project (2nd Revised)” for the fiscal year 2024–25, Messrs. Saurav Traders received the work order to construct a 74-foot (22-meter) RCC girder bridge over the 22-foot-wide Pabnar Par canal at the 6,050-meter chainage point of the Mandra Ferry Ghat–BAPARD Jathia road, at a cost of Tk 2.75 crore.

Despite repeated complaints from residents to the Upazila Engineering Office, no visible action has been taken, prompting locals to lodge a formal appeal to the UNO.

Locals allege that the construction work is not being carried out according to the specifications. The contractor’s workers have allegedly been removing and selling rods from the piles. They also claim the piles are being made using substandard stones, fewer rings, and less cement than required—causing many piles to crack or break when half-buried.

Rakibul Islam, a college student from Pabnar Par village, said, “When we protested the irregularities, the contractor’s men tried to justify their work and even threatened us with extortion cases if we continued to object. We also informed the engineering office, but nothing has changed. The contractor seems to be working in collusion with the engineers.” He added that a formal complaint was submitted to the UNO on October 7.

Local resident Mofizul said, “This rural road from Jathia to Radhaganj runs along the Shailda River. LGED is building six small bridges on narrow canals along this stretch. But here, they are constructing a massive 74-foot bridge over a canal only 22 feet wide—spending nearly Tk 3 crore. A simple culvert costing Tk 30–40 lakh would have been enough. No large vehicles can even pass through this road. So who benefits from such a big bridge? Moreover, there’s massive corruption in the construction. How long will such a bridge last?”

A field visit revealed that pile-driving work is underway. Of the 64 piles planned, 60 have already been installed. However, it was observed that after half of each pile was inserted into the ground, the remaining part was cut off and rods were being removed by workers. Anowar Sardar, a worker from Khulna, said, “Our job is to cut the rods from the remaining parts of the piles above ground.”

When contacted, contractor Md. Mursalin Saurav, owner of Messrs. Saurav Traders, said he was “currently busy” and could not comment.

Expressing frustration over the slow progress, local resident Mamun Sheikh said, “The bridge work started on October 16 last year and was supposed to be completed by September 6. But barely 10 percent of the work is done.”

Upazila Engineer Shafiul Azam confirmed, “We have received a complaint regarding the removal of rods from the piles. The matter has been reported to higher authorities for necessary action.” He added that although the construction period has expired, the contractor has applied for an extension.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sagufta Haque said, “The complaint about the bridge’s irregularities has been forwarded to the Upazila Engineer for appropriate legal action.”

LGED Executive Engineer of Gopalganj, Md. Ehsanul Haque, said, “The matter will be investigated.”