A bridge currently under construction in Chandpur’s Matlab municipality, with an estimated cost of Tk2.2 crore, has developed significant cracks before its completion. The situation has sparked allegations of substandard construction and led residents to demand an independent technical investigation into the project.
The structure, spanning nearly 100 feet, is located near Bardia Bazar and is intended to replace an existing 10-foot culvert. The project, which has been underway for approximately four months, also includes the construction of approach roads on both sides.
Local residents report that visible cracks have emerged across various sections of the bridge while work is still in progress. They alleged that the project has been compromised by irregularities and the use of inferior building materials since its inception.
Following community protests regarding the work quality, the contractor reportedly suspended operations. A site visit confirmed the presence of cracks in several parts of the structure, raising serious concerns regarding its structural integrity.
“The bridge is being constructed at a cost of around Tk2.2 crore, but the quality of work is extremely poor,” said local resident Riad Hossain.
He warned that the structure could become hazardous shortly after completion if work continues in this manner, calling for a neutral investigation and intervention from the local member of parliament (MP).
Another resident, Mehedi Hasan Mizi, said major cracks now extend from the base to the top of the bridge. He added that the contractor and certain municipal officials accused locals of attempted extortion when they questioned the quality of materials used.
However, the contractor, Md Jahir, has refuted these claims. “The allegations are not true. The quality of the construction is satisfactory,” he told UNB.
When contacted via telephone, Ferdous Ahmed, Assistant Engineer (Civil) for Matlab municipality and the project supervisor, declined to comment on the matter. He instead said enquiries be directed to the upazila nirbahi officer (UNO), who is currently serving as the administrator for the municipality.
Distrustful of the current progress, residents are demanding the formation of an independent technical committee to evaluate the work, determine the cause of the cracks, and hold responsible parties accountable.
They expressed concerns that the premature appearance of these cracks poses a significant risk to public safety once the bridge is opened to traffic.
