Allegations of misappropriation of government funds by leaving the construction work of small bridge in Uttampur village of Rajapur upazila in half; Hundreds of people are constantly crossing at risk
Daily bijoy news special correspondent
A small bridge in Uttampur village, Baroia Union, Rajapur Upazila, Jhalakathi, has remained half-built for a year, despite the allocation of government funds and construction materials. This forces over a hundred people daily—especially the elderly, children, and students—to risk their lives while crossing it.
Frustrated by the situation, local residents have submitted a written complaint to the Rajapur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) against Baroia Union's Chairman and the assigned Ward Member, Md. Mainul Islam Kabir (also known as Md. Kabir Howladar). They accuse them of misappropriating government funds and gross negligence of duty.
The Allegations:
According to the complaint, although the project funds were withdrawn after work began last year, the UP Member and Chairman only partially constructed the bridge using old, broken slabs and then abandoned the project.
The complaint details that after being assigned the task by the Chairman, Member Md. Kabir Howladar placed several old, broken slabs, sourced from elsewhere, onto two angles. He then halted all construction without installing any railings or backfilling the earth on either side. Despite this, he had already received the full project allocation.
Subsequently, despite repeated appeals from locals to the Chairman and the responsible member to complete the work, no action was taken. As a temporary solution, the residents themselves spent their own money to dump earth and make the bridge minimally usable.
A Ticking Time Bomb:
Locals express grave concern, stating, "Nearly a hundred people use this hazardous bridge every day. There are gaps between each slab, and with no support on either side, a major accident could happen at any moment. We urgently request the UNO to ensure the bridge's construction is completed immediately."
No Comment from Accused:
Multiple attempts to contact the Chairman of Baroia Union and the accused member for their comments on the matter were unsuccessful.
Daily Bijoy News/ Md.Naim Ahmed
