Masum badsha Manikganj
A newly constructed building at Baried Government Primary School in Saturia Upazila, Manikganj, has developed cracks on its walls before completion.
This raises concerns among teachers, students, and locals about irregularities in construction and the use of substandard materials.
Several teachers at the school have pointed out that cracks appeared during construction due to the use of low-quality materials. They reported the issue to the engineer, but no corrective measures were taken.
Parents have expressed their dissatisfaction, stating that the wooden doors on the ground and second floors are of poor quality.
Additionally, they claim that square bars were not used according to the proper specifications. Even before the handover, the balcony railings were found to be shaky.
The delay in completing additional classrooms and furniture has further contributed to daily inconveniences for the students. Locals are demanding that the construction work be completed swiftly to restore normal educational activities.
According to project sources, the construction, which cost approximately Tk1.24 crore, was awarded to the contractor firms ‘M/s SE and Tofazzal ZB’ under the implementation of the Local Government Engineering Department and the technical assistance of the Directorate of Primary Education.
The work began on 13 May 2024, with an expected completion date of 6 February. However, the project has faced delays, and despite an additional nine months being granted, the progress remains unsatisfactory.
Acting headmaster Mohammad Sohel Rana stated that the construction was temporarily halted based on the recommendation of the upazila education officer due to the cracks, but the assistant engineer, Mohammad Abdul Alim, insisted on continuing the work.
He claimed that cracks in block-built buildings are ‘normal’. Teachers further alleged that the contractor managed to use substandard materials by influencing the engineering staff.
Bulbul Hossain, a representative of the contractor firm, admitted the presence of cracks and mentioned that the walls of three rooms had been patched up with paint putty, but the cracks reappeared despite repairs.
Upazila Engineer Mohammad Imrul Hasan confirmed that several areas of the building had cracks, and irregularities had been reported.
“A letter had been sent to the contractor, and necessary actions would be taken,” he added.
