Allegations of using low-quality construction materials have surfaced regarding an ongoing road construction project under the supervision of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in Kalai Upazila of Joypurhat. Local residents alleged that despite objections and the removal of some substandard brick chips, the construction work is still being carried out using similar inferior materials.
Locals complained that poor-quality brick chips, brick dust, rubbish, and soil-mixed brick chips are being used in the construction of a 1,245-meter road stretch from Harunja Government Primary School to the Uttar Bhabki Guchchagram in the upazila. They expressed deep concern over the durability of the road being constructed at a cost of BDT 1.54 crore.
According to local allegations, although some low-quality brick chips were removed following objections over the quality of construction materials, similar inferior materials were later brought back and used in the work. Residents even claimed that a truck loaded with low-quality bricks was turned back on one occasion.
A spot visit revealed workers engaged in construction along various parts of the road. Piles of brick chips dumped by the roadside contained broken, soil-mixed, and terracotta-like brick pieces. In some areas, oversized brick fragments were also visible.
Although specifications require the use of brick chips measuring approximately 50 mm or 2 inches, allegations indicate that oversized brick pieces ranging from 3 to 4 inches are being used in several places. These materials have also been used to lay the road’s macadam or base course.
Locals claimed that as per the project schedule, various tasks—including earth filling, bed preparation, box cutting, edging, cambering, sand filling, brick flat soling, herring bone bond, and palasiding—are supposed to be executed properly. However, in reality, the quality of these works remains questionable.
Residents also raised questions about whether sample test reports were being properly maintained, despite regulations requiring quality testing of construction materials prior to their use.
Furthermore, local residents alleged that alongside Grade 1, 2, and 3 brick chips, low-grade Garai bricks are being used to prepare the roadbed. These bricks crumble into dust under slight pressure. Complaints were also made that brick dust and rubbish-like materials are being mixed in some areas. Additionally, while six inches of sand layer was mandated for the road, residents claimed that in some sections, only about an inch of sand was applied.
Rubel, a local resident, said the relevant engineer had been informed multiple times about the work quality, but the work was not suspended despite complaints. He also alleged that rubbish is being mixed with low-quality bricks.
Mohiuddin, a resident of Uttar Bhabki village, stated that the contractor was repeatedly asked not to use low-quality bricks, and a truckload of bad bricks was even sent back. Despite this, work is continuing with similar materials, he alleged.
Another local resident, Sonia Akter, mentioned that they have been living in the area for nearly 40 years. Although a road is finally being built after so many years, they are dissatisfied with the quality of work.
Saidul Islam remarked that using low-quality brick chips on a road costing over BDT 1 crore raises serious doubts about its longevity. He expressed concern that if the road degrades quickly, it will necessitate further repairs using public funds in the future.
However, Md. Abdul Qaiyum, proprietor of the contracting firm, denied the allegations of using substandard materials. He claimed that no low-quality materials are being used in the project, adding that if locals have objections regarding any material, it will be removed and replaced with new materials if necessary.
Abu Zafar, Sub-Assistant Engineer at LGED, said regular monitoring is being conducted to ensure work quality, with a site engineer present on-site. He noted that instructions have been given to the contractor to remove substandard materials whenever complaints are raised.
Sumon Kumar Debnath, Kalai Upazila LGED Engineer, stated that the contractor has already been informed about the allegations of irregularities. Any substandard materials brought to the site are being removed. He emphasized that if evidence of low-quality work is found, there is no scope to clear the contractor’s bills.
According to project sources, the initiative was taken to pave the 1,245-meter road from Harunja Government Primary School to Uttar Bhabki Guchchagram. The construction cost for this project under the 2024–25 fiscal year was estimated at BDT 1.54 crore. Joypurhat-based contracting firm Raba Construction is executing the work. Construction began in May last year and was scheduled for completion by March this year. As the work could not be finished within the deadline, a three-month time extension was granted.
