Hatiya (Noakhali) Correspondent

An executive assistant of the Roads Department has been accused of tying up and threatening to beat up a headmaster for complaining about irregularities in road construction work in Hatiya, Noakhali. A video of the incident went viral on social media, sparking criticism in the area. In protest, local people blocked the road and stopped the construction work.

Local residents protested against the incident in the Asadnagar area of the upazila's Jahazmara-Moktaria road on Friday morning.

According to local sources, Ashraful Alam, the headmaster of North-West Jahazmara Government Primary School, alleged irregularities in the development work of the road on Thursday afternoon. Questioning the quality of the work, he wanted to see the road design and the permission letter from the concerned department. At that time, he had an argument with Bashir Ahmed, the road department's assistant. At one stage, the teacher alleged that Bashir Ahmed threatened to tie him up and beat him. At that time, there were also allegations that the workers ordered him to be tied up.

After the video of the incident went viral on social media, many expressed outrage, demanding action against the employee accused of behaving in such a manner towards a teacher.

Local Mahbubur Rahman said that it is the responsibility of the concerned officials and employees to monitor the quality of road construction work. However, the incident of threatening a teacher for raising questions about irregularities in the work is regrettable.

Such behavior is in no way acceptable.

Local resident Saikat Mollah alleged that Bashir Ahmed Hatiar was responsible for supervising road construction work in various areas. He misbehaved with people when it came to irregularities in the work. He claimed that he had previously had disputes with locals over road work in Ochkhali and Jahajmara Bazar areas.

The contracting company M/s Ananta Bikash Tripura has been awarded the responsibility of constructing and developing a 9-kilometer road from Jahajmara to Moktaria Ghat. The project, which started six months ago at a cost of about Tk 14 crore, is scheduled to be completed in February 2027.

Headmaster Ashraful Alam said he complained that the specified amount of carpeting was not being provided on the road. When he informed the concerned officials about the matter and asked to see the work plan and office permit, they got angry. At that time, Bashir Ahmed rushed to beat him and asked the workers to tie him up, he alleged.

Regarding the complaint, Assistant Director Bashir Ahmed said, "Road work had to be done in the scorching heat. There was an unintentional argument with the headmaster. He apologized for this."

Noakhali Road Department Deputy Assistant Engineer Mohibullah Sumon said, "The road work is being done properly. If anyone wants to see the work plan, they have to come to the office and the authorities are obliged to show it. However, the behavior of employee Bashir Ahmed with the headmaster was not right in any way. Departmental action will be taken against him in this incident."