Widespread allegations of corruption and irregularities have surfaced in the road construction under the Kabikha (Food for Work) program in Kadakati Union of Ashashuni Upazila, Satkhira.
Locals have expressed strong dissatisfaction over misuse of government funds, unauthorized implementation of projects under someone else’s name, and substandard work.
Reportedly, a 300-meter (10 chains) earthen road from Tengrahali High School to Shafik’s fish enclosure was approved with a budget of BDT 250,000. Although the project was officially listed under female ward member Geeta Rani as president, in reality, it was executed under the leadership of Union Parishad Chairman Dipankar Sarkar Dip.
An on-site inspection revealed that the road’s width and height deviated significantly from the design. Where the road was supposed to be 12 feet wide and 5 feet high (with side slopes extending to 22 feet), the actual construction was only 15–17 feet wide with a height of barely 1.5–2 feet in many places. In other sections, the top width was only 7–8 feet, with slope-included width at 10–11 feet and an average height of 3–4 feet.
Allegations also point to the use of soil excavated from nearby canal dredging, which had been placed along the canal banks for protective embankments. This soil was reportedly pulled and used for road construction—contrary to the project plan and budget allocation.
Several local UP members claimed that the chairman regularly bypasses proper protocol by using female members’ names on large-scale projects, while executing the work himself and giving them nominal compensation afterward.
When contacted, project president Geeta Rani told The Country Today, “We carried out the work jointly with the chairman. The PIO visited the site, pointed out some issues, and we corrected them. We also received the full payment cheque.”
On the other hand, Upazila Project Implementation Officer (PIO) Amirul Islam stated, “I don’t know Geeta Rani personally. Some parts of the work were found unsatisfactory and were asked to be redone. The final cheque has not yet been issued. Due to the monsoon season, I couldn’t inspect the entire site.”
Locals have raised concerns, questioning why no administrative action has been taken despite visible and public instances of mismanagement and corruption.
