Jhalokathi, Jan 13 (V7N) — Residents of Rola village in Sadar Union, Rajapur upazila, have accused local authorities of corruption and negligence in the construction of a busy rural road under the Rural Infrastructure Development (KABITA) program, implemented by the Department of Disaster Management.
According to locals, the road connecting the bridge near the house of Abdul Rab Chowkidar to the home of Shomed Hawlader was constructed using low-quality bricks (Ama bricks) and minimal sand under the brick soling layer. The road’s macadam base, they claim, consists mainly of soil, a small amount of sand, and discarded Ama bricks along with third-grade bricks.
Villagers allege that although the project was meant to construct the road entirely, half of it was redirected into the property of Abdul Rab Chowkidar by the project’s president, Ward 8 Union Parishad member Aslam Hossain (Litu). In some areas, the amount of material used falls short of what is specified in the project plan. Even the edging on both sides of the road reportedly uses Ama bricks mixed with third-grade bricks.
The project was reportedly funded with Tk 2 lakh from the government’s 2025–2026 development budget.
Responding to the allegations, project president Aslam Hossain Litu stated that the width of the road is determined by the allocated funds and that the diversion of a portion into Chowkidar’s property was done for the villagers’ convenience.
Rajapur Upazila Project Implementation Officer Md. Shafiul Bashar said that the road must be constructed exactly as per the project scheme. He added that the substandard Ama bricks must be removed and replaced with proper quality bricks, and that payments would only be processed after the road is completed according to the approved plan.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rifat Ara Mauri confirmed that upon receiving reports of irregularities via media, the project officer has been instructed to inspect the road on-site and provide an updated report.
The incident has sparked concerns among local residents regarding transparency and accountability in government development projects, highlighting the need for strict oversight to prevent misuse of public funds.
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