Allegations of Embezzling 2 Crore Taka Through Substandard Road Repairs in Sherpur
Khorshed Alam Sherpur Correspondent
Allegations of irregularities have surfaced regarding road repair work in Jhenaigati, Sherpur. It is claimed that substandard work is being carried out to embezzle 2 crore Taka.
According to sources, the 9.5-kilometer Roads and Highways Department (RHD) road from Quarry Road to Jhenaigati Upazila Headquarters had been in an unusable condition for a long time, causing severe suffering for commuters and pedestrians. Recently, the Sherpur Roads and Highways Department undertook the repair work and awarded the contract through a tender process at an estimated cost of 2 crore Taka.
The contract was awarded to M/s Bhuiya Constructions, owned by Kazi Liaquat from Gopalpur, Tangail. The repair work started on March 2, under the supervision of the Sherpur Roads and Highways Department. However, local residents have alleged that the contractor’s workers are not following proper procedures and are conducting substandard repairs.
Locals claim that the workers are using less bitumen and fewer stones than required, which is leading to embezzlement of 2 crore Taka. Reports suggest that while some portions of the road have been repaired, many areas have received poor-quality work. Due to the lack of bitumen, stones have started coming off even before the project is completed. The road surface is uneven, with visible potholes in multiple spots.
Residents, including Abul Bashar, Billal Hossain, Anis Ahmed, and Palash Mia, have demanded an on-site inspection and necessary action from higher authorities regarding the low bitumen usage in the repair work.
When questioned about the allegations, contractor Kazi Liaquat claimed that the work had been carried out properly and that the complaints from locals were untrue.
Meanwhile, Sherpur’s Executive Engineer of the Roads and Highways Department, Md. Shakirul Islam, stated that he would look into the matter. However, for unknown reasons, he has not taken any action. When asked about the repair project’s schedule, he advised visiting his office for details.
