Tungipara (Gopalganj) Correspondent 

Allegations have emerged of embezzling government funds under the guise of canal renovation in the Tarail Saluka mouza area in Tungipara. 

Although excavation work has reportedly begun on the 1.5-kilometer-long Mandar Canal, locals claim that no real digging is taking place—only superficial activities are being carried out.

According to residents, despite there being 8 to 10 hands (approximately 12 to 15 feet) of water in the canal during the monsoon, an excavator has been deployed merely to dump water hyacinths onto adjacent agricultural lands, causing damage to crops. They further allege that no soil is actually being removed from the canal and that government funds are being misappropriated in the name of renovation.

An angry farmer remarked, “If this kind of superficial work continues, our crops will suffer, and public money will end up in the pockets of a few corrupt individuals.”

In response, the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of the Water Development Board (BWDB) stated that payment will be made only for the amount of work completed according to the project plan and that monitoring will be in place. However, he could not provide a clear explanation about the implementation of the project.

Tayjul Islam, a representative of the contractor, commented, “Go ahead and report if you want; we’ll see what happens next.” Local union parishad (UP) members also told journalists that if any reports are published, they will “handle the matter” with the board accordingly.

Multiple attempts were made to contact BWDB's Tungipara Section Officer (SO) Shahin, but he could not be reached by phone and was reportedly absent from his office as well.

Amid this situation, local residents have questioned the effectiveness of the project and are demanding a thorough investigation. They also alleged that similar sham excavations have been conducted in several other canals in Tungipara in the past—highlighting a recurring pattern of corruption rather than actual development.