Rajshahi, Sept 11 (V7N) – Widespread allegations of irregularities have surfaced in a Tk 20 crore road renovation project in Durgapur upazila of Rajshahi, as the newly carpeted road began deteriorating just five days after completion.

The 4.24-kilometer road, stretching from Tior Kuri to Paachbari and ending at Deliuabari Union Parishad, was completed on September 5, 2025, by Chattogram-based contractor Mohammad Yunus & Brothers at a reported cost of over Tk 20.63 crore.

Local residents alleged that substandard bitumen, bricks, and sand were used in construction, and that carpeting was carried out without proper surface cleaning. During an on-site visit, it was observed that the asphalt layer could be removed easily by hand or foot.

Professor Yasin Ali, a passerby, expressed anger, saying, “The road was not paved properly. It won’t last a year. If it rains now, the entire road will collapse.” Van driver Abu Bakkar added, “The government spends crores, but contractors deliver poor work. This road is already worse than the previous one.”

Another resident, Anjuara Begum, complained that loose stones come off with a simple rub of the foot and alleged that the road was not compacted properly with a roller. Abdul Sattar, former convener of the BNP’s Deliuabari Union unit, claimed, “The contractor rushed the work, and no one from the upazila monitored it. They did whatever they wanted and left.”

A local contractor explained that the premature damage was likely due to poor-quality materials and an improper mix of stone, sand, and bitumen, making the top layer weak and unstable.

Repeated attempts to contact a representative of Yunus & Brothers, Asim Hossain, were unsuccessful.

In response, Upazila Engineer Mashuk-e-Mohammad denied the allegations of using substandard materials but said, “If lab tests confirm irregularities, action will be taken against the contractor.” Rajshahi LGED Executive Engineer Zahirul Islam added, “We are aware of the issue and have instructed the upazila engineer to investigate. If faults are confirmed, the road will be rebuilt.”

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