Irregularities in Barishal bridge construction: Bamboo used instead of steel rods

Allegations of irregularities have surfaced in the construction of a bridge in Agailjhara, Barishal. The use of bamboo instead of steel rods for concrete casting has caused widespread concern in the area.

Locals have alleged that substandard materials were used in an under-construction bridge in the Barpaika village over the Dushmi-Karimbazar canal in Ratnapur union of the upazila. Although the bridge, funded by the union council, is designed to be 45 feet in length and 5.5 feet in width, locals claim that proper casting has not been done for sections longer than the specified dimensions.

According to construction regulations, the concrete casting should be 5 inches thick, but only about 3.5 inches has been provided. Additionally, steel rods have been placed with gaps far wider than the prescribed distance.

The most serious allegation is that bamboo sticks have been used to compensate for the shortage of steel rods during casting. Local residents said they protested against the irregularities, but the work did not stop. When a cement shortage later arose, construction was completed using cement collected from the locals themselves.

There are also allegations that the concerned union parishad member collected approximately Tk 85,000 from locals in the name of bridge construction.

However, the accused union parishad member, Sohel Molla, denied the allegations, claiming that bamboo may have been used in some areas beyond the specified portion, but that was done on the initiative of the locals.

Concerned authorities said such work without the approval of LGED or the engineering department is irregular. The upazila engineer said the matter had not been reported to them.

The upazila executive officer said the matter has come to their attention through social media, and a swift on-site investigation will be conducted to take necessary action.

Locals fear the substandard construction could cause an accident at any time. They have demanded a speedy investigation and action against those responsible.