Project canceled, but Tk 1.54 billion remains unaccounted for

❐ Special Correspondent

Questions have been raised about the cost of the proposed 15-km flyover project in Kishoreganj’s haor area after it was cancelled. According to government documents, the project cost was shown at a total of Tk 154 crore, of which Tk 150 crore was spent on land acquisition. However, officials concerned said that no land was acquired under the project.

Sources said that if the money is not actually released, there is no opportunity to show land acquisition. In that case, this money is supposed to be returned to the government treasury. However, no clear information has been found on whether it has been returned or not. In this situation, an initiative has been taken to examine the entire expenditure account.

Planning Commission officials said it is unusual to show such a large amount of expenditure before the actual work on the project has begun. Necessary action will be taken after investigating the matter.

A review of the documents showed that various expenses were also shown in other sectors. Among them, 1 crore 31 lakh taka was spent on salaries and allowances of officials and employees, 86 lakh 60 thousand taka on vehicle rental, 23 lakh 80 thousand taka on office rental, 64 lakh 80 thousand taka on consultancy services and 10 lakh 40 thousand taka on honorarium and remuneration.

In addition, an estimate of Tk 22.33 crore has been given for supplies and services, Tk 1.25 crore for computers and accessories, and Tk 4 million for furniture purchases.

The project was approved by the ECNEC meeting in January 2023, with an estimated cost of Tk 5,651 crore. The objective of the project was to connect Mithamoin, Itna and Ashtagram with Kishoreganj Sadar and Dhaka with year-round road connectivity.

However, the project was later cancelled. Planning Commission officials said that information was also received that an additional expenditure of Tk 2.8 crore was incurred during the interim government.

Meanwhile, questions have also been raised about the feasibility study of the project. According to those concerned, the study predicted unusually high traffic volumes. According to research by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority and the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, 25,800 vehicles are predicted to move daily in 2030 and 35,500 in 2040, which exceeds the traffic volume of major infrastructures in the country, such as the Jamuna Bridge and the Padma Bridge.

Overall, various questions have been raised about the project cost, land acquisition calculations and feasibility study. The government is investigating the issues. The next steps will be taken based on the results of the investigation, the sources said.