Locals stop ext work as low quality materials used

The extension work of Bhukshimoil School and College building in Kulaura upazila of Moulvibazar has remained stopped amid allegation of using low quality materials.

Aggrieved locals stopped the work on October 4 and filed a complaint with signatures of over 100 people to the upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) on Thursday.

Copies of the complaint were also sent to the local lawmaker, deputy commissioner, upazila parishad chairman, and Anti-Corruption Commission office in Moulvibazar.

“Locals stopped the work as there were widespread irregularities in the work.

Rods with lower than the stipulated quality were used in the building work. Instead of chip stones, small amount of cement and sand mixture was used on the floor,” said Azizur Rahman Monir, chairman of Bhukshimoil union parishad (UP).

“Former UP chairman and general secretary of upazila Awami League (AL) Rafiqul Islam Renu was involved with the work. We demand a departmental inquiry,” he said.

Locals also observed a human chain recently protesting the use of substandard materials in the construction work.

M/S Juber Ahmed got the work order worth Tk 1 crore 18 lakh 42 thousand for upward expansion (second and third floors) of the existing academic building of Bhukshimoil School and College and building a toilet block within nine months, said officials at the Department of Education Engineering in Moulvibazar.

The work was scheduled to start on November 7 last year but the contractor started it in March this year.

Contractor Juber Ahmed said, “The work is currently suspended. Cement and sand mixture has been used due to shortage of stones. We will do the work with stones.”

Abu Saeed Muhammad Rahi, in-charge of the Department of Education Engineering in Kulaura, confirmed the irregularities and said, “I have told the contractor to do the work according to the schedule.”

Contacted, Rafiqul Islam Renu, also governing body president of the institution, said, “After hearing the matter, I called the contractor immediately and told him to modify the work. I will bring a defamation suit against those who accused me without knowing.”

UNO ATM Farhad Chowdhury said, “I have received the complaint. Legal action will be taken after investigation. No excuse will be acceptable on the quality of work.”