A newly constructed road along the bank of the Turag River in the Dhananjaykhali area of Kashimpur under Gazipur City Corporation has collapsed even before its formal inauguration, sparking outrage and concern among local residents. A probe committee is set to be formed to investigate the incident.
According to locals, the road construction was completed hurriedly just days before the election. Cracks reportedly appeared within three days of the concrete casting, and on Sunday, a portion of the road caved in several feet. Small and large cracks are now visible at multiple points, raising fears about the stability of the entire stretch.
City corporation sources said the road development project on the western bank of the Turag River in Kashimpur was undertaken under two packages through bituminous carpeting. The work was awarded to contractor United Commercial Center Limited (UCCL).
Under one package, the estimated cost for constructing 1,150 meters of road was Tk 10.80 crore, but the work order was issued at Tk 11,64,41,571—higher than the estimate. Under the second package, 12,046 meters of road construction had an estimated cost of Tk 13,19,21,000, while the work order was awarded at Tk 14,28,11,459. The project included 250 meters of WBM, 60 mm carpeting, approximately 1.8-meter-wide footpaths, railings, and guard walls.
During a visit on Sunday morning, a large section of the newly built road in Ward No. 6 of Kashimpur was found collapsed, with cracks spreading to nearby areas.
Local resident Ruhul Amin said,
“After a long wait, our area finally got this road. But seeing it collapse even before inauguration is disappointing. Now the remaining portion also seems risky.”
Executive Engineer of Kashimpur Zone under Gazipur City Corporation, Shamsur Rahman, said the collapse might have occurred due to natural factors, as the road is adjacent to the riverbank.
“We will examine whether there was any flaw in the planning. If any irregularities in construction are proven, action will be taken against the contractor,” he said.
Superintending Engineer and Project Director A K M Harunur Rashid of Gazipur City Corporation said a probe committee would be formed to determine the cause of the collapse. A teacher from Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology (DUET) will lead the committee.
“The investigation will reveal whether there was any negligence or irregularity by the construction firm. Appropriate measures will be taken against those responsible,” he added.
Residents alleged that the use of substandard materials and irregularities in construction led to the collapse. They demanded a transparent and swift investigation instead of merely forming a committee. They also called for scrutiny into allegations of rushed work and awarding contracts at costs exceeding initial estimates.
Repeated attempts to contact Zahidul Islam, director of United Commercial Center Limited, over the phone were unsuccessful.
