Shocking allegations have surfaced regarding the use of bamboo instead of steel rods during the concrete casting of a bridge under construction in Basail, Tangail, funded by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED). A storm of criticism has erupted after a video of this fraudulent activity went viral on social media. The Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) has formed multiple inquiry committees to investigate the matter.

Simultaneously, an official order has been issued to the accused contracting firm, sternly warning them to demolish the defective concrete structure and redo the work within the next seven days. Local sources have confirmed that separate inquiry committees formed by the Office of the Chief Engineer (LGED) and Tangail LGED have already commenced their work. Throughout the day on Tuesday (September 22), members of the inquiry committees conducted on-site inspections and gathered opinions and statements from stakeholders.

The two-member committee formed by the Office of the Chief Engineer (LGED) comprises Executive Engineer Mohammad Shakil Hossain and Senior Assistant Engineer Md. Zakiul Alam from the headquarters. The five-member committee formed by Tangail LGED includes Senior Assistant Engineer Md. Tauhidur Rahman (Convener), Tangail Sadar Upazila LGED Engineer Iftekhar Ahmed (Member Secretary), Assistant Engineer Sakib-ul-Hafiz (Member), Sub-Assistant Engineer Md. Mostafizur Rahman (Member), and Lab Technician Md. Alobbor Hossain (Member).

Additionally, a separate three-member inquiry committee has been formed by the office of the Basail Upazila Executive Officer (UNO). All three inquiry committees, formed on Monday (September 21), have been instructed to submit their investigation reports within the next three days. According to LGED sources, the construction of a 90.06-meter PSC girder bridge is underway on the Basail GC-Kauljani UP road (via Maijkhara) in Basail Upazila, Tangail, under the ‘Program for Supporting Rural Bridges’ project.

The contract for the bridge’s construction, valued at Tk 10 crore 9 lakh 92 thousand, was awarded to the joint venture firm ‘Md. Yunus Al Mamun-M/S Zakir Enterprise’. Allegations have arisen that on the night of September 20, the contracting firm hastily completed the bridge’s concrete casting work under the cover of darkness, without informing the Upazila Engineer or anyone from the relevant department. Public outrage ensued after a video showing bamboo being used instead of steel rods within the concrete casting went viral on social media.

Upon verifying the allegations, Basail Upazila Engineer Fattaur Rahman immediately issued show-cause notices to Sub-Assistant Engineer Moniruzzaman and the concerned contracting firm. News of this irregularity was also prominently reported in various media outlets. Following the incident, the contracting firm received a stern warning in an official order signed by Jahanara Parvin, the Executive Engineer of Tangail LGED.

The order noted that the casting work was completed at night without notifying the relevant department—a clear violation of specifications. The directive further stated that the defective and non-compliant concrete casting must be demolished and removed from the site within seven days of receiving the letter. Subsequently, the casting work must be redone in accordance with regulations, using quality materials verified by the laboratory, and in the presence of the Upazila Sub-Assistant Engineer and the Upazila Engineer.

It was also announced that strict legal action would be taken against the firm in accordance with the terms of the contract. Jahanara Parvin, Executive Engineer of Tangail LGED, stated that such irregularities in government development projects worth crores of taka would not be tolerated under any circumstances. Further legal action against those responsible will be taken based on the findings of the investigation committee’s report.