The bridge is being built over the Dushmi–Karimbazar canal in Ratnapur Union, with funding from the Union Parishad.
Screengrab shows bamboo being used in place of steel reinforcement rods during the casting of an iron bridge in Agailjhara, Barishal. Photo: TBS
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Screengrab shows bamboo being used in place of steel reinforcement rods during the casting of an iron bridge in Agailjhara, Barishal. Photo: TBS
Authorities have ordered the demolition and reconstruction of a bridge in Barishal’s Agailjhara upazila after finding evidence that bamboo was used instead of steel reinforcement rods in its construction.
Confirming the development, Upazila Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) Engineer Rabindra Chakraborty said he visited the site today (17 April) after reports of irregularities surfaced.
“Upon inspecting the bridge and speaking with local residents, we confirmed that bamboo was used in place of steel rods,” he said.
“The concrete structure has been ordered to be demolished, and the bridge will be rebuilt in accordance with government standards,” he added.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Likhan Banik said the engineer was sent to the site after allegations emerged.
“He has confirmed the irregularities. The existing structure will now be dismantled, and reconstruction will be carried out properly. Action will also be taken against those responsible,” he added.
The bridge is being built over the Dushmi–Karimbazar canal in Ratnapur Union, with funding from the Union Parishad.
An initial allocation of Tk150,000 was provided for the project, followed by an additional Tk100,000 for casting work, while around Tk85,000 was also collected from local residents by UP member Sohel Molla.
A Union Parishad (UP) member in Agailjhara, Barishal, Sohel Molla, has been accused of using bamboo instead of steel reinforcement rods in the construction of a bridge, triggering criticism after a video of the casting work circulated on social media.
However, denying the allegations, UP member Sohel Molla said, “Bamboo was used only in areas beyond the 45-foot span. I did not do this; it was done by local residents.”
According to the locals, it measures 45 feet in length and 5.5 feet in width. Locals claim that although the bridge’s actual length is 55 feet, only 45 feet has been cast, while the concrete slab was made about 3.5 inches instead of the required 5 inches.
Moreover, while steel rods are supposed to be placed at intervals of 6 to 8 inches, they were installed at nearly one-foot intervals, they added.
On Tuesday (14 April), casting on the northern side of the bridge was completed using bamboo sticks.
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