World · Bangladesh Bureau
Three LGED officials suspended over substandard bridge construction materials
Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) has suspended three employees for allegedly using bamboo rods instead of steel reinforcement in bridge construction. The discovery has raised fresh concerns about quality control in infrastructure projects across the country.
LSN Bangladesh ·
Three officials from the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) have been placed under suspension following an investigation into the use of inappropriate construction materials in a bridge project. The employees are accused of authorizing the substitution of steel reinforcement rods with bamboo rods during construction work, a practice that compromises structural integrity and safety standards.
The incident came to light during routine quality inspections, revealing significant deviations from approved construction specifications. Engineering experts have warned that the use of bamboo as a substitute for steel reinforcement poses serious risks to the durability and safety of the structure, particularly given Bangladesh's vulnerability to flooding and cyclonic weather conditions.
This development marks another instance of quality control failures in publicly-funded infrastructure projects. LGED, which oversees rural infrastructure development across the country, has initiated a comprehensive review of ongoing projects to prevent similar violations in the future. The department has pledged to strengthen its monitoring mechanisms and implement stricter oversight protocols.
The suspension of the three employees is expected to serve as a warning to other officials involved in project supervision and approval processes. Authorities have not yet disclosed the full scope of affected projects or whether additional disciplinary action will be taken against contractors involved in the work.