Contractor threatens to assault upazila engineer

A contractor has been accused of threatening Fatikchhari Upazila Engineer Junayed Absar Chowdhury over the phone. An audio recording of their conversation went viral on social media on Friday. In the audio, the contractor is heard saying, "I'll kick you like a football when you're in your room, I'll knock you flat."

The accused contractor has been identified as Mohsin Haider, owner of a construction firm named 'Messrs Mohsin and Brothers'. In the audio, he is heard using obscene language and abusing the upazila engineer.

The upazila engineer is told, "Withdraw the letter you wrote to the bank immediately. If you want to stay in Fatikchhari, you'll have to stay with my permission. I'll lock your room."

Both Upazila Engineer Junayed Absar Chowdhury and contractor Mohsin Haider have confirmed the authenticity of the audio recording.

Mohsin Haider told the media that construction work on a school building is ongoing in the Koylar Mukh area along the Fatikchhari border. Ninety per cent of the work has been completed. Due to the remoteness of the area, the remaining work could not be finished. However, without issuing any notice, his security deposit is being withheld on the pretext of not completing the work within the stipulated time. "I abused out of frustration, and I regret the matter," he said.

Upazila Engineer Junayed Absar Chowdhury said the contractor became furious and behaved in this manner because bills were suspended due to irregularities. He had previously visited his office and issued similar threats. He has informed higher authorities about the matter.

Fatikchhari Upazila Executive Officer Said Mohammad Ibrahim said the upazila engineer has verbally informed him about the abuse and threats. No one can abuse anyone like this. If anyone has complaints, they have the opportunity to inform higher authorities.