Barishal UP member accused of replacing rods with bamboo in bridge construction
The bridge is being built over the Dushmi–Karimbazar canal in Ratnapur Union, with funding from the Union Parishad
A Union Parishad (UP) member in Agailjhara, Barishal, Sohel Molla, has been accused of using bamboo instead of steel reinforcement rods in the construction of a bridge, triggering criticism after a video of the casting work circulated on social media.
The upazila nirbahi officer has since assured that necessary action will be taken.
The bridge is being built over the Dushmi–Karimbazar canal in Ratnapur Union, with funding from the Union Parishad.
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An initial allocation of Tk150,000 was provided for the project, followed by an additional Tk100,000 for casting work, while around Tk85,000 was also collected from local residents by UP member Sohel Molla.
However, denying the allegations, UP member Sohel Molla said, "Bamboo was used only in areas beyond the 45-foot span. I did not do this, it was done by local residents."
According to the locals, it measures 45 feet in length and 5.5 feet in width. Locals claim that although the bridge's actual length is 55 feet, only 45 feet has been cast, while the concrete slab was made about 3.5 inches instead of the required 5 inches.
Moreover, while steel rods are supposed to be placed at intervals of 6 to 8 inches, they were installed at nearly one-foot intervals, they added.
On Tuesday (14 April), casting on the northern side of the bridge was completed using bamboo sticks.
Local resident Himu Molla said, "We had seen bamboo being used instead of steel rods during the casting process, and the poor quality of the work is such that the bridge could collapse even before its inauguration."
Another resident Md Idris said, locals had protested against such substandard construction, but the UP member did not pay heed to their concerns.
Ratnapur Union Parishad Chairman Golam Mostafa Sardar said funds had been allocated in phases and assured that action would be taken if any irregularities were found.
Upazila Engineer Rabindra Chakraborty said the casting work had not been reported to them, adding that carrying out such construction without informing the LGED department is a violation of regulations.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Likhon Bonik said he had seen the matter on social media and that necessary steps would be taken after a field inspection.
