Tangail LGED official suspended over bamboo used instead of steel rods

A work assistant of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in Tangail has been suspended over allegations of using bamboo instead of steel rods and substandard construction materials in a bridge under construction in Basail.

The suspended official, Md Hasmat Ali, was responsible for supervising construction of a 90.06-metre prestressed concrete (PSC) girder bridge on the Maij Khara GPS Road in Basail under the Programme for Supporting Rural Bridges project.

According to the suspension order, the use of construction materials outside the approved specifications sparked public outrage after reports of the irregularities emerged in the media and spread on social media.

The order said the incident tarnished the image of LGED and the government.

The order said it appeared that Hasmat had colluded with the contractor to use bamboo instead of steel rods and other substandard materials with the alleged intention of gaining financial benefit illegally.

He was charged with misconduct and corruption under Rule 3(b) of the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018, and suspended under Rule 12(1) of the same rules.

The suspension took effect immediately. Hasmat will receive subsistence allowance during the suspension period in accordance with the applicable rules.