Widespread allegations of irregularities have surfaced against a contractor firm in the widening and renovation of the 7.38-kilometre Punat–Moslemganj road in Kalai upazila of Joypurhat.

Locals accused the contractor “Ethen Enterprises” of using substandard materials, carrying out work at night without supervision, and intimidating those who protest, despite the project involving a government allocation worth Tk8.35 crore.

During a visit by the Daily Sun correspondent last week, workers were found filling road boxes with discarded stones, rubble, excavated soil, and pieces of old asphalt instead of the sand and gravel specified in the tender. No engineer or supervising official was present at the site.

Local residents alleged that the contractor deliberately carries out major tasks at night to avoid detection, as irregularities would become visible if the work were done in daylight. They complained that although one side of the road has been excavated to expand the width from 5 metres to 8.7 metres, the filling and leveling work is being done with substandard materials.

A road worker, requesting anonymity, said they had been instructed to use old stones and excavated soil for filling. “Where the material is insufficient, it is brought from elsewhere and leveled,” he added.

Resident Abu Kalam expressed frustration, saying, “Even third-grade bricks would have been better. They are using rubbish, soil, and waste. At this rate, the road won’t last even six months. The previous renovation also didn’t hold up.”

He alleged that some contractors and associated engineers are creating avenues for embezzling government funds under the guise of renovation.

According to the Upazila Engineering Department, tenders for widening and renovating the Shantinagar Bazar–Moslemganj Bazar road were floated on 3 June last year, with the completion deadline set for 2 December. Locals said the contractor began work late, excavation remains incomplete, and irregularities have already surfaced.

In response to complaints, Ethen Enterprises manager Nur Alam said nighttime work was being done “to avoid obstructing farmers’ field activities.” He claimed that the use of low-quality materials was “false,” though he admitted a few abandoned stones might have been used.

Upazila Assistant Engineer Abu Jafar stated that there was no permission to work at night and that work conducted in the absence of an engineer violates regulations. “If rubbish or abandoned stones are being used, the entire section must be replaced,” he said.

Contractor Russell Ahmed acknowledged he does not stay at the site but said all substandard materials would be removed if irregularities are proven. He added that an application for a time extension has been submitted.

Upazila Engineer Suman Kumar Debnath said the contractor would not receive any payment if the allegations are found true after investigation. “No discounts will be given simply because work is done in a hurry. Necessary action will be taken,” he assured.