Bangladesh’s Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) has suspended three officials following widespread outrage over major structural irregularities in bridge construction projects across Noakhali and Tangail districts. The disciplinary measures, signed by LGED Chief Engineer Md Belal Hossain, follow media revelations exposing the use of sub-standard materials—including bamboo substituted for steel reinforcement bars—in public infrastructure works.
In Noakhali’s Begumganj upazila, severe flaws emerged during the construction of a pedestrian slab and handrail for a local bridge. Investigating reporters discovered that the concrete slabs were so poorly constructed that they crumbled under slight physical pressure. Following initial media coverage, LGED suspended Sub-Assistant Engineer Md Najmul Islam and Work Assistant Md Mohin Uddin. Authorities have also issued formal show-cause notices to Noakhali Executive Engineer Yugal Krishna Mondal and Begumganj Upazila Engineer Abul Mansur Ahmed, requiring them to explain the lapses within seven working days. The Superintending Engineer for the Noakhali region has been tasked with delivering a comprehensive investigation report within the same timeframe.
Concurrently, a scandal erupted in Tangail’s Basail upazila after reports confirmed that contractors had substituted bamboo for iron rebar inside the concrete casting of a bridge footpath. Social media momentum and journalistic investigation prompted swift administrative action, resulting in the suspension of Work Assistant Md Hasmat Ali. This sanction follows the earlier suspension of Sub-Assistant Engineer Md Moniruzzaman alongside formal explanation demands issued to Tangail’s Executive Engineer and Basail Upazila Engineer. LGED authorities have directed legal and administrative action against the contracted firm involved.
Public infrastructure projects under LGED oversee vital local connectivity across rural and semi-urban Bangladesh. Sub-standard construction practices, particularly involving structural load-bearing components like steel rebar, pose immediate public safety risks and lead to rapid infrastructure collapse. State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam reinforced the government’s stance, emphasizing that departmental transfers or suspensions represent preliminary measures, with permanent dismissal awaiting those proven guilty of negligence or misappropriation of public funds.
