Md Russel, Amtali (Barguna)

There have been allegations of irregularities and use of low-quality construction materials in the beautification project of the central lake of Amtoli Municipality in Barguna. In the meantime, a drop wall of the lake walkway, which was being constructed at a cost of about 125 million taka, has collapsed.

A section of the dropwall collapsed during work on the lake walkway on Sunday morning. Locals later gathered at the scene and alleged that the contractor's workers covered the collapsed section with polythene.

Locals have alleged that low-quality construction materials have been used in the project since the beginning. As a result, the walkway's drop wall collapsed while it was under construction. They have demanded a speedy investigation and action against those involved in the irregularities in the project.

The project was undertaken at a cost of Tk 125.6 million 98,323 for the beautification of the central lake of Amtoli Municipality in the fiscal year 2023-24, funded by the World Bank through the LGCRRP project under the Ministry of Local Government.

According to sources related to the project, the tender for the work was invited in April 2024. Later, a contracting company named Islam Brothers of Jhalakathi got the job. However, there are allegations that although the work was given in the name of the company, the main work of the project is being handled by the people of former municipal mayor and Amtoli Upazila Awami League president Md. Matiar Rahman.

Although the work was supposed to start on July 30, 2024, the work did not start on time. Later, on October 25, 2024, the then Amtoli Upazila Executive Officer Muhammad Ashraful Alam inaugurated the project.

Locals allege that questions have been raised about the quality of construction materials since the project began. They also claim that locals have repeatedly reported the use of low-quality materials to the relevant officials.

The contractor's staff have also been accused of obstructing the work of journalists and behaving disrespectfully while they were collecting photos and information after the walkway's dropwall collapsed on Sunday. Journalists Nasrin Shipu, Rimon and Russell made the complaint. They alleged that the contractor's manager Shyamal Chandra, personal assistant Pannu Mollah and their associates prevented them from taking photos.

Locals Shahin, Nurul Islam and Saiduzzaman said, "We have been complaining about the use of low-quality construction materials since the work started. Although the officials concerned were informed about this, no effective action was taken. Now, the wall collapsed while under construction, raising questions about the veracity of the complaint. A quick investigation is needed and action should be taken against those responsible."

However, the owner of the project's contractor, Islam Brothers, Md. Khairul Azad, denied the allegations and said, "The work was taken with my license, it is true. However, the work was done by former mayor Matiar Rahman. I have no involvement there. I know nothing about this."

Former municipal mayor and Amtoli Upazila Awami League president Md. Matiar Rahman could not be reached on his mobile phone despite multiple attempts.

Amtali Municipality Executive Engineer Md. Mashiur Rahman admitted that the walkway's dropwall collapsed. However, he said that there was no problem with the main pillar or piling.

Amtali UNO (Acting) Md. Ashraful Islam said that the matter will be investigated and immediate action will be taken.