140 nuts and bolts stolen from Ctg's Akhtaruzzaman Flyover, sparking safety concerns

At least 140 nuts and bolts and 53 washers have been stolen from the steel girders of the Chowdhury Akhtaruzzaman flyover in Chattogram city — allegedly by drug addicts — putting the structural safety at serious risk, according to an investigation by the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC).

A CCC-formed probe committee found that the theft occurred between Muradpur and Lalkhan Bazar, particularly near the Gate No-2 area.

Engineers have expressed concern that the theft poses a potential threat to the flyover's structural stability.

Mohammad Rifatul Karim Chowdhury, executive engineer of CCC and member secretary of the investigation committee, told The Business Standard, "This is an extremely concerning incident. We suspect a group of drug addicts has been systematically stealing these parts." 

"New nuts and bolts have already been installed, and barbed wire has been added. Implementation of the remaining recommendations is underway," he added.

The probe committee recommended the immediate replacement of the missing nuts and bolts, regular structural inspections, and enhanced security measures to prevent drug addicts from accessing the flyover area.

Panchlaish Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Muhammad Sulaiman told The Business Standard, "We are conducting regular drives against drug abusers in the Gate No-2 area. 

"So far, 10 to 12 people have been arrested in connection with the thefts and sent to court. Locals have also been asked to remain vigilant," he added. 

The Tk696.34 crore flyover, inaugurated on 16 June 2017 and handed over to the CCC for maintenance on 1 December 2019, has not undergone a single annual maintenance or structural audit in the seven years since its opening, according to officials.

According to a survey by the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA), around 80,000 vehicles use the flyover regularly. The construction guidelines require at least one annual inspection of the flyover's nuts, bolts, and overall structure, which has never been carried out — leaving the entire flyover in a state of safety risk, officials said.

Additionally, incidents of metal theft have been reported at several other flyovers across the city in recent years. In particular, multiple cases of stealing or dismantling iron railings from underpasses and selling them to scrap dealers have previously gone viral on social media.