Lack of monitoring blamed

Staff Reporter

Allegation has raised that, Jafar Bayazid, Project Director of BSCIC Industrial Park in Sirajganj and Regional Director (in charge) of BSCIC Regional Office in Rajshahi in collaboration with some unscrupulous higher officials has amassed crores of Taka through massive corruption and irregularities during the project implementation.

He took all kind of illegal opportunities by staying under the shadow of Awami League backed political leaders like A.H.M Khayruzzaman Liton, Presidium Member of Awami League and former Mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC), Habib-a-Millat Munna, former Parliament Member of Sirajganj-2 Constituency and Jannat Ara Talukder Henry, the next former Parliament Member of the same constituency.

There are huge allegations of using below standard materials in the project works. Most of the materials were supplied by the then local Awami League, Jubo League and Chhatra League leaders and cadres. They supplied substandard materials after taking sub-contract from the main contractors. Very lowest quality of bricks, brick pieces (Khoa), cement and sands were also used in the construction works as those were supplied by the Awami cadres.

Of them, SS Construction and Arafat Construction were on the top stage of irregularities, it is alleged.

Though, the money of all bills were withdrawn before June 30, 2024, they continued their nominal work till December last as the works were not completed cent percent till then.

During a spot visit, this correspondent found that, the roads inside the project boundary were constructed without maintaining smooth level.

Locals apprehended that, the roads’ condition may be dilapidated by getting up ‘Khoa’ and pitch within short time after a little rain. Due to use of below standard materials including 3^rd-class bricks and brick chips, the roads may not be long lasted. Besides, the site was designed on a sandy land along the western bank of Jamuna river, the installations including roads may be vulnerable easily, while heavy loaded trucks or other transports will move there.

The work of installing iron structures on the boundary wall has not yet been completed even after crossing seven more months after expiring of deadline.

During the visit, this correspondent noticed that, some workers were engaged in setting up iron structures on the boundary wall to prevent entrance of outsiders. They were also using low-quality of iron rods and wires to make the cages for using on boundary wall.

When asked about the standard of the iron rods and wires, the workers admitted about those poor qualities and said, “We have nothing to do. We work with the materials, which are supplied by the concerned contractor.”

Thieves or any other perpetrator may be able to enter into the restricted key point installation easily by cutting the cages of low standard wires and iron rods on boundary wall.

During the visit, no one of the BSCIC authorities was found in the site. But, some workers were found inside the project to work for establishing a power sub-station under supervision of NESCO. Most of the electric polls were found without power connection. Besides, the gates of the project site contain sign of raw and incomplete work.

Locals said, due to lack of monitoring by the BSCIC authorities, the newly established highly important and costly installation of the country has remained such neglect condition.

Locals urged the high-ups to take necessary steps by investigating the matter in a fair and transparent manner. Besides, they sought attention of the local district administration in this regard for the sake of future entrepreneurs and investors.

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