Repair work on both sides of the Meghna-Dhanagoda Irrigation Project embankment in Chandpur, intended to reduce the risk of river erosion, has come under scrutiny after residents raised concerns that soil dumped on top of the structure was collapsing even before the work had been completed.
Residents allege that contractors, instead of bringing in soil from outside sources as the project required, are using excavators to cut soil from the base of the embankment itself and piling it on top, with even light rainfall causing the freshly placed soil to give way and raising fresh concerns over the embankment’s long-term stability.
A visit to the Sugandhi area of Shatnol Union in Matlab Uttar upazila found that soil had already collapsed from several repaired sections of the embankment, with recently placed soil in some spots washed away by rainwater.
Local residents said removing soil from the foot of the embankment was weakening its foundation rather than reinforcing it.
Several residents, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the project specifications called for soil to be brought in from other locations for filling work, but alleged that soil was instead being excavated from the embankment itself and dumped on top, causing erosion before the work had even been finished.
They claimed the same method was being used along a roughly 12-kilometre stretch of the embankment.
Residents further alleged that a one-kilometre section south of the Sugandhi area, where work had already been completed, had become more vulnerable than before the repairs began, and claimed that the main contractor was not carrying out the work directly but had subcontracted it to a third party.
Md Mahbub, a representative of the third-party contractor on the project, said: “We will be paid according to the volume of soil we have excavated. However, we are facing difficulties with the work. Miah Manjur Amin Swapan supervises the project on behalf of the contractor. It would be better to speak to him.”
According to local sources, Miah Manjur Amin Swapan has coordinated and supervised most development work under the Meghna-Dhanagoda Irrigation Project at the local level since 5 August 2024, with many contractors said to manage project activities through him rather than carrying out the work themselves.
The official responsible for the site, Shamim Mia, declined to comment on the project’s progress, quality or supervision when approached, and said he could not say when he had last inspected the work.
According to the findings, after learning of the journalist’s inquiries, Shamim Mia informed Miah Manjur Amin Swapan, who is alleged to control all project officials, including the executive engineer.
Speaking by telephone, Miah Manjur Amin Swapan said some soil had slipped because of rainfall but that all affected sections would be repaired before the work was completed.
“If necessary, the soil will be restored every time it washes away,” he said, adding that any project-related information should be obtained from him.
Chandpur Water Development Board Executive Engineer Md Selim Shahed said the authorities were aware of the soil erosion.
“We know that soil has slipped in some places. Wherever damage occurs, additional soil will be placed to restore the embankment,” he said. Asked about the use of excavators in place of manual labour, he said: “There is no problem with using excavators.”
