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- Construction work on the nine bridges project in Nasirnagar upazila of Brahmanbaria is progressing at a snail's pace, with most of the bridges remaining incomplete despite the expiry of their scheduled deadlines.
Allegations have also surfaced that additional funds were withdrawn before completion of the work, raising questions about possible irregularities in the Tk104 crore project.The project was undertaken by the Awami League government under the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) to establish direct road connectivity between 34 villages in three unions of haor-surrounded Nasirnagar and the district headquarters as well as neighbouring Kishoreganj.Construction of two bridges began in 2021, with completion scheduled for 2023. Work on another three bridges started in 2022 and was also scheduled to be completed in 2023. Construction of the remaining four bridges began in 2023, with a deadline of June this year.
Under the project, nine bridges are being constructed over the Nasirpur, Bhalakut, Khakhalia, Durgapur, Chatalpar, Chawkbazar, Isapur, Gujiakhai and Kandar Khal rivers.Hasan Enterprise was awarded contracts for eight bridges, while Mustafa Enterprise received the contract for the remaining one. Construction of bridge no 3 over the Khakhalia river, being built by Mustafa Enterprise, has reached its final stage. However, work on the other eight bridges has made little progress.
Despite the expiry of the deadlines, construction remains far behind schedule. Official records show that the progress of some bridges stands at 50% and others at 55%, but the actual situation on the ground appears different.
The project deadline has already been extended, while the delay is increasing costs and prolonging the suffering of local people who have long been waiting for improved road connectivity.
Locals alleged that construction is not only progressing slowly but also failing to meet the required quality standards. They further accused those involved of withdrawing money without completing the work.
They demanded the speedy completion of the bridges and a proper investigation into the alleged irregularities. Contacted, Khairul Hasan, a contractor of Hasan Enterprise, rejected the allegations of irregularities in the construction work.
Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) Executive Engineer Md Emdadul Haque acknowledged the slow progress, saying that action would be taken if complaints regarding irregularities were received. Local people, however, expect the authorities concerned to take effective steps to expedite the work and ensure accountability.
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