Irregularities Found in Under-Construction Bridge in Noakhali, Administrative Action Against Two Officials

Two officials of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) have been temporarily suspended over alleged irregularities in the construction of a bridge in Begumganj, Noakhali, including the use of bamboo instead of specified construction materials in the footpath slab and railing.

The suspended officials are Assistant Sub-Engineer Md. Nazmul Islam and Work Assistant Md. Mohin Uddin.

The administrative action was taken through separate office orders signed by LGED Chief Engineer Belal Hossain on Wednesday (September 23).

According to the orders, the use of bamboo instead of specified construction materials had severely damaged the image of the government. The two officials were temporarily suspended under Rule 12(1) of the Government Service Rules over allegations of misconduct and corruption.

They will, however, be entitled to subsistence allowance during the suspension period as stipulated by the rules.

Bridge Project Under Scrutiny
According to LGED sources, the 49.06-metre-long bridge is being constructed in Begumganj upazila, connecting the Jamidharhat-Saheberhat-Hasanhat route with the Maijdee regional highway.

The construction work is being carried out by a contractor, Messrs Haque Traders.

Irregularities Found During Inspection
On September 21, a team comprising an LGED superintendent engineer, a laboratory technician and representatives of the contractor jointly inspected the under-construction bridge.

During the inspection, concerns were raised over the quality of the footpath slab casting, which was found to be inconsistent with the approved design and specifications.

The quality of the steel rods used in constructing the bridge railing was also found to be substandard, according to the inspection findings.

Following the findings, separate official letters were issued to Noakhali Executive Engineer Jugal Krishna Mondal, Begumganj Upazila Engineer Abul Mansur Ahmed, Assistant Sub-Engineer Md. Nazmul Islam and Work Assistant Md. Mohin Uddin.

The two engineers were asked to explain their positions regarding the irregularities. The concerned contractor was also instructed to rectify the defective portions of the construction immediately at its own expense.

Investigation Ordered
LGED has appointed A.S.M. Mohsin, Supervising Engineer of LGED in Noakhali, as the investigating officer to conduct a detailed inquiry into the allegations.

He has been instructed to investigate the reported irregularities and submit a formal report within three working days.