Rangpur-Saidpur highway renovation: 365 tons of stone missing

Local correspondent

There have been allegations of major irregularities and corruption in the renovation work of the Rangpur-Saidpur highway. An army team found evidence of at least 365 tons of stone missing during a patrol. However, no visible action has been taken against those involved in the project so far.

According to the Roads and Highways Department (RHD), in the fiscal year 2024-25, a project worth Tk 26.89 crore was undertaken to renovate about 17 km of roads from Rangpur Medical Intersection to Paglapir, Shaleyashah Bazar to Barati Bridge, Taraganj Health Complex to Taraganj Bridge and Taknaganj Bazar to Chikli Bazar. Rajshahi-based contractor Dawn Enterprises got this work. Meanwhile, DBST (Dense Bituminous Surface) work has been completed on 10 km of the road, the RHD said.

On Wednesday afternoon, a patrol team from the 34 Bengal Regiment of the Army’s 66th Division inspected the work at the City Intersection area. Having doubts about the quality of the work, they examined the road structure and materials and found evidence of irregularities.

According to the project, 23 kg of stone was supposed to be used per square meter, but it is known that 18 kg of stone was used there. This means that about 365 tons of stone have been used less. In addition, questions have also been raised about the quality of bitumen. An army officer has warned the contracting company about the quality of work.

In the presence of army personnel, it was observed that when the stones placed on the road were measured in trays, the amount of stones was found to be less. Cracks, holes and upturned stones were seen in several places on the road after the renovation was completed.

Local residents have complained that despite questions about the quality of work for a long time, the relevant authorities have not taken any action.

A local resident named Bappi Ashraf said, “The contractor is doing everything in front of the government officials. They get angry if you say anything. It seems they are taking a huge amount of money from the contractor.”

A resident named Alamgir Hossain said, “They throw stones and then they get picked up. Even if they complain, no one listens. After the army caught them, they found evidence.”

Shahinur Rahman, project manager of the contracting company, said, “According to the project, 23 kg of stones were supposed to be provided. The army received 18 kg. This will be fixed.”

SAWZ Executive Engineer Md. Moniruzzaman said, “The design had 23 kg of stone, but in reality 18 kg was found. Since the work is being done in a long area, there may be some more or less. If there are any errors, they will be fixed.”

However, locals say that such irregularities may increase in the future due to the lack of exemplary action despite the evidence.