Published: 11:05 AM, 13 September 2026
Substandard materials alleged in Nalchity COVID-19 road project
Allegations of irregularities have intensified regarding the ongoing widening work of the 450-meter road in Ward No. 1 of Nalchity Municipality in Jhalakathi, under a COVID-19 project.
Local residents claimed that the work does not adhere to the approved estimates and that several crucial components have been omitted, raising questions about the quality of construction.
A re-tender notice issued by Nalchity Municipality on June 8, 2026, reveals that tenders were invited under the LGCRRP project for the construction of an RCC road in Ward No. 1. The project spans from the highway-adjacent residence of Aminul Islam Talukdar to the home of Milon Jomaddar-passing by Alamgir Talukdar's house-covering a distance from chainage 0.00 to 450.00 meters.
According to the notice, the tender was published on June 9, with a submission deadline of June 22, 2026. However, locals alleged significant discrepancies between the project estimates and the actual work being carried out on the ground. Although concrete casting for approximately 150 meters of the road has already been completed, residents claimed that several key specifications outlined in the estimate are not being properly implemented.
Locals further alleged that despite informing the municipal administration about these irregularities, no effective action has been taken, raising concerns about the durability of the road under construction.
Allegations have also been raised regarding the subcontracting of the work; complainants claim that after securing the contract, the primary contractor is executing the project through other local contractors. There are complaints that the quality of work has deteriorated due to these multiple handovers.
Additionally, residents alleged that the supervising Sub-Assistant Engineer, Akbar Hossain, is failing to take effective action against the irregularities despite being responsible for oversight; allegations of financial dealings between him and the contractors have also surfaced.
Local residents warned that if this vital road funded by the government is built using substandard materials, it is likely to sustain damage within a short period.
When Assistant Engineer Mizanuzzaman was asked about the matter, he directed the inquiry to Akbar Hossain, the Sub-Assistant Engineer responsible for supervising the work.
Acknowledging the validity of the allegations, Municipal Administrator and Nalchity Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Pratik Kumar Kundu said, "Upon receiving the complaint, I informed the project's higher authorities. The road was subsequently cast with concrete only after the concerned engineer visited the site and authorized the work."
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