2 engineers suspended after road collapses before opening in Gazipur

Two engineers have been suspended after a newly constructed road collapsed last month before its inauguration in the Kashimpur area of Gazipur, triggering widespread criticism.

Following media reports, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman ordered an inspection. Acting on the directive, State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam visited the site yesterday (23 March) and reviewed the road's construction quality, materials used and overall condition.

After the inspection, he handed over a letter to Gazipur City Corporation Administrator Md Shawkat Hossain Sarkar regarding the suspension of supervising engineer Harun-or-Rashid and executive engineer Shamsur Rahman over initial evidence of irregularities.

The road, built along the bank of the Turag River in the Dhananjay Khali area, partially caved in on 15 February, sinking several feet and alarming local residents.

The state minister said preliminary findings point to the use of substandard materials, along with the impact of natural factors, as causes of the collapse.

Mir Shahe Alam said the road collapse, reported in the media, came to the attention of the prime minister, who then brought the matter to the ministry's notice. "I then spoke with responsible officials of the ministry and contacted city corporation authorities before coming to inspect the site."

The state minister said a high-level delegation from the ministry accompanied him during the inspection and that a two-day preliminary inquiry had already been conducted.

"Based on our findings, the contractor used substandard construction materials. Natural factors also played a role. These combined factors led to the collapse of the road."

He added that the contractor has been barred from continuing work for the time being and that legal action will be taken following the full investigation.

All previously formed committees related to the incident have been dissolved and replaced by a seven-member high-level panel, the state minister said.

The committee has been asked to submit its report within 15 days, including holidays, he said, adding that based on the findings, those responsible will be identified and strict action will be taken.

According to city corporation sources, the project to construct a retaining wall and road from Kashimpur Nama Bazar to Dhananjay Khali Primary School saw significant cost escalation after revisions.

The first package, covering 1,150 metres, was revised from Tk10.8 crore to Tk11.64 crore, with United Commercial Centre Ltd (UCCL) as the contractor.

The second package, covering 12,046 metres, increased from Tk13.19 crore to Tk14.28 crore.

The project, launched in 2021, had its deadline extended five times due to delays. Around Tk6.12 crore has already been paid to the contractor.

Public anger grew after a large section of the road suddenly collapsed on 15 February, sinking several feet.

Residents alleged that concerns about construction quality had been raised from the beginning, but there was no effective oversight.