Bangladesh’s Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) has suspended three staff members following intense public scrutiny over structural irregularities in bridge construction projects across Noakhali and Tangail districts. Official orders signed by LGED Chief Engineer Md Belal Hossain confirm disciplinary action against lower-tier supervisory personnel alongside formal explanation demands issued to senior executive engineers.
The measures follow alarming reports regarding sub-standard construction practices in Noakhali’s Begumganj upazila. Investigations revealed that concrete pedestrian slabs and handrails on a newly built bridge were crumbling under minimal physical impact. In response, LGED suspended Sub-Assistant Engineer Md Najmul Islam and Work Assistant Md Mohin Uddin. Administrative proceedings under public service regulations are underway. Furthermore, Noakhali Executive Engineer Yugal Krishna Mondal and Begumganj Upazila Engineer Abul Mansur Ahmed have received formal show-cause notices, granting them seven working days to clarify their supervision lapses. The Superintending Engineer for the Noakhali region is leading a formal inquiry, with a directive to submit a detailed report within seven working days.
A parallel scandal erupted in Basail upazila under Tangail district, where contractors allegedly substituted bamboo strips for steel rebar inside concrete bridge castings. Following widespread public outrage, LGED issued a suspension order for Work Assistant Md Hasmat Ali. This sanction follows the earlier suspension of Sub-Assistant Engineer Md Moniruzzaman, alongside explanation demands issued to Tangail’s Executive Engineer and Basail Upazila Engineer. Departmental directives have also instructed punitive measures against the private contracting firm responsible for execution.
Rural bridge construction under LGED represents a critical component of local transport networks across Bangladesh. Substituting load-bearing steel reinforcement with organic materials like bamboo compromises structural integrity, creating immediate hazards for rural commuters.
State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam addressed the infractions, emphasizing that public safety and taxpayer funds remain non-negotiable. He stated that preliminary actions such as show-cause notices, suspensions, and transfers are standard protocol, but confirmed that verified evidence of corruption or gross negligence will result in permanent termination of service, irrespective of official rank. Administrative decisions regarding further prosecution or blacklisting will follow the submission of the official inquiry reports.
