Sources from the ACC reveal that the highest amount of funds were embezzled in LGED projects in Bhandaria Upazila. Roads in Dhawa, Ikri, Nadmula, Bhitabaria, Gouripur, and Telikhali unions, meant to be paved, semi-paved, or equipped with culverts, have been left riddled with potholes due to incomplete or non-existent work. Collusion between corrupt LGED officials and the district accounts office enabled the advance withdrawal of project funds, resulting in no actual development. Locals face severe hardships traveling to district and upazila towns, while school and college students endure long walks through hazardous conditions, especially during monsoons. The poor road conditions also disrupt law enforcement patrolling.
Key projects marred by corruption include the Cyclone Asfan Project, Under-100-Meter Bridge Construction Project, Iron Bridge Rehabilitation Project in the Southern Region, Important Rural Infrastructure Development Project, Pirojpur District Rural Infrastructure Development Project, Upazila Town (Non-Municipality) Development Project, and Barisal Division Upazila and Union Road Widening Project. These dilapidated roads pose significant risks to auto-rickshaws, easy-bikes, motorcycles, and other vehicles.
On April 17, ACC Deputy Director Md. Aminul Islam filed eight cases against 27 individuals, with five recently arrested. Investigations revealed that approximately 2,000 crore taka was embezzled across the 17 projects. Notably, in 400 schemes of eight projects, former LGED Pirojpur Executive Engineer Abdus Sattar, Assistant Engineer Ariful Islam, and Accountant Mozammel Haque Khan, in collusion with district accounts officials, misappropriated 173 crore taka. Allegations also implicate former Pirojpur-2 MP Mohiuddin Maharaj, his brother Bhandaria Upazila Chairman Mirajul Islam, and their other siblings and spouses, all of whom are currently absconding.
ACC Deputy Director Md. Aminul Islam stated that five individuals have been arrested, and further investigations may lead to additional suspects being named. The eight cases consistently name former LGED Executive Engineer Abdus Sattar, Assistant Engineer Ariful Islam, and Accountant Mozammel Haque Khan as accused.
Shohidul Islam, a farmer from Bhandaria’s Chinguria village, said, “Our village road is crucial, but its poor condition causes immense trouble.” Local freedom fighter Ruhul Amin added, “We’ve heard the entire allocated budget was withdrawn by influential contractors who then fled. Fire services or ambulances can’t navigate these roads, and students face extreme hardship. We demand swift road repairs from the administration.”
Bhandaria Upazila Engineer Md. Imtiaz Hossain Russel noted, “Cases have been filed against the contractors involved. Decisions will come from the Chief Engineer.”
