Construction work on a road renovation project worth more than Tk 4 crore in Srimangal Upazila in Moulvibazar has been suspended after local residents protested against the alleged use of substandard materials and poor workmanship.
The allegations concern the renovation of the Hosnabad–Bilaschara road in Ashidron Union, an important route used by thousands of people, including tea garden workers from seven surrounding villages.
Residents claim that although the project specifications required the use of high-quality VT sand, stone chips, and first-class bricks, the contractor, M/s Sunny Enterprise, has instead been using old brick debris and low-quality sand. They also alleged that improper construction techniques—including inadequate compaction with rollers or vibrators and the use of brick pillars and sand-filled cement bags in the road's guidewalls—have already caused cracks to appear before the project is completed.
Demanding immediate corrective action, local people halted the construction work and submitted a written complaint to the Srimangal Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), alleging widespread irregularities and corruption in the implementation of the project.
According to upazila sources, the project, officially titled the Kalighat–Monu–Dolai Circular Road Renovation Project, has a budget of Tk 40,522,846 (approximately Tk 4.05 crore) and is scheduled for completion by February 19, 2027.
Responding to the allegations, Md Hasanuzzaman, proprietor of M/s Sunny Enterprise, said the company was using ‘soling base’ (reclaimed old bricks) that had been procured by the government under the terms of the tender. He claimed the materials were being used in accordance with the project's specifications.
Srimangal LGED Deputy Assistant Engineer Sanjay Pandit acknowledged that some aspects of the work had been ‘sloppy’ admitting that maintaining 100 per cent quality was not always possible.
However, LGED Upazila Engineer Md Abdur Rakib said an on-site inspection would be conducted following the complaint. He assured that any substandard materials found during the investigation would be removed and appropriate measures taken.
Srimangal Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Md Ziaur Rahman said the administration was treating the allegations with utmost seriousness. He stated that if the investigation confirms any irregularities or corruption, strict legal and administrative action will be taken against those responsible.
Meanwhile, RCC pouring work on the road remains suspended following the public protest. Local residents have urged the authorities to conduct a prompt and impartial investigation and ensure that the road is constructed according to approved quality standards to guarantee its long-term durability.
