Rangpur school building project stuck for 2 years as contractor disappears

Construction of a new building at Nataram Sheikhpara Government Primary School in Kutubpur union of Badarganj upazila, Rangpur, has remained stalled for two years after the contractor abandoned the project, leaving teachers and students in distress.
The students are currently attending classes in tin-shed rooms. The situation has worsened as a deep pit dug for the construction has filled with water and turned into a pond, posing a serious safety risk to the students.
According to school sources, a tender was floated in 2022 for construction of the school building, and M/s Razzak Enterprise was awarded the work at an estimated cost of Tk1.13 crore. The contractor deposited Tk5.70 lakh as a security deposit.
Construction was scheduled to begin in 2023. The contractor initially started work and continued for about a month before abandoning the project and reportedly disappearing.
The contract was subsequently cancelled after the stipulated completion period expired, while the security deposit was deposited into the government treasury.
During a recent visit to the school, it was found that students were attending classes in tin-sheet rooms. The classrooms become unbearably hot during summer, making it difficult for students to concentrate and for teachers to conduct lessons properly.
The deep, water-filled pit beside the school has also raised serious concerns among teachers and parents. They fear that a child could accidentally fall into it, particularly during the rainy season when the water level rises.
School Headteacher Nur Alam Bhutto said the contractor had started construction after receiving the work order but stopped after about a month and disappeared.
“Later, the tender was cancelled due to complications over the project. The students are now suffering because they do not have a proper school building,” he said.
Badarganj upazila Engineer Md Harun ur Rashid said the contractor’s contract had been cancelled for failing to complete the work within the stipulated time.
“An initiative will be taken to construct the building through a new tender. The work may begin if funds are allocated under the new PIP-5 budget,” he said.
Meanwhile, parents and local residents have urged the authorities to initiate a fresh tender process and start construction as soon as possible. They said a permanent building is essential to ensure a safe and suitable learning environment for the students.