Slow progress halts WB funding for Jashore highway upgrade

The Jashore–Jhenaidah highway plays a vital role in the economy of the country’s south-western region. A significant portion of goods transported between the northern and central regions and key southern hubs – including Benapole Land Port, Bhomra Land Port, Mongla Sea Port and Nawapara River Port – depends on this corridor. Thousands of trucks, covered vans, long-distance buses and private vehicles use the narrow road every day.

Against a backdrop of chronic traffic congestion, frequent accidents and the deteriorating condition of the road, the Roads and Highways Department undertook a project titled “We Care” to upgrade a 48.7-kilometre stretch of the highway – from Jhenaidah town bypass to Chanchra intersection in Jashore – into six lanes with the finance from the World Bank.

The project was divided into three lots: from Jhenaidah bypass to Kaliganj upazila intersection; Kaliganj upazila intersection to Barobazar Mandartala; and from Mandartala to Chanchra intersection in Jashore.

An international tender was floated in late 2018. After a lengthy evaluation process, the first lot was awarded to Max Group on 23 October 2023, while the second and third lots were awarded to Abdul Monem Limited. 

The project is scheduled for completion by 30 June 2026.

At the outset, century-old rain trees, koroi and mahogany trees lining both sides of the road were felled. Land acquisition processes began, and temporary project offices were set up in Jhenaidah and Jashore. While preparations advanced on paper, tangible progress in the field has remained elusive.

According to sources associated with the project, nearly 30 months have elapsed since its scheduled timeline began, yet overall progress stands at just 1.89%. Notably, no visible work has been observed in the second and third lots. Despite this, contractors reportedly withdrew substantial sums in the name of preparatory work. Allegations suggest that nearly Tk150 crore was drawn in advance, although there has been no significant presence of machinery, manpower or construction materials at the sites.

Amid the situation, the World Bank has suspended the disbursement of approximately Tk1,900 crore and formally notified the Roads and Highways Department in writing. 
With only a few months left to complete the remaining work, many insiders believe finishing the project within the stipulated timeframe is now unrealistic.

Excavated sections of the road have been left unattended in several areas. Bitumen layers have peeled off in places, while large potholes have formed elsewhere. Heavy vehicle movement has further worsened the condition. During rainfall, waterlogging becomes common; in the dry season, dust engulfs surrounding areas.

Local businesspeople and transport operators say that although the road was previously narrow, it was at least usable. Now, in many stretches, it has become hazardous.

Mamunur Rashid Bachchu, president of the Jashore Road Transport Workers’ Union, said, “Public suffering has increased year after year in the name of development. Workers are being injured or killed in accidents almost daily.” According to him, flawed implementation rather than poor planning has emerged as the core problem.

Anichur Rahman Liton, general secretary of the Transport Owners’ Association, claimed that over the past three to four years, more than a hundred accidents on the highway have left several hundred people dead or seriously injured. He said that during the monsoon season, parts of the road become nearly impassable. If conditions do not improve, transport operators may consider limiting services, he warned.

In response, Abdul Monem Limited claimed that political instability and complications related to land acquisition have hindered visible progress.

With only 2% progress in 30 months, advance payments withdrawn, and fund disbursement suspended, members of the local civil society believe there is a clear lack of accountability in project implementation. They have demanded a transparent investigation to determine responsibility, saying mere assurances will not bring meaningful change.

Project manager engineer Manjur Hasan acknowledged that the funding agency had expressed dissatisfaction over the slow pace of work. Efforts are now underway to renegotiate financing arrangements and resume activities through fresh discussions, he said.

However, locals continue to question the justification for advance payments if land acquisition issues remain unresolved. They also seek clarity on how bills were processed in the absence of visible field-level work.