Rajshahi, July 4 (V7N) - Work is ongoing on canal renovation in Ghanshyampur, Godagari Upazila, near the border area of Tanore, Rajshahi. However, irregularities have surfaced involving the Barendra Multipurpose Development Authority’s (BMDA) Project Director (PD), Nazirul Islam, who is accused of manipulating contract awards to favor certain contractors.

According to BMDA officials, a contractor originally assigned for canal renovation work in Naogaon was unable to complete the project. Instead of canceling or suspending that contract and inviting fresh tenders for Rajshahi, the PD assigned the same contractor to the Rajshahi project without following proper procedures, constituting a violation of rules.

Despite repeated allegations of misconduct, Nazirul Islam remains in his position without any visible disciplinary action by BMDA authorities. Local sources have demanded a full investigation into all complaints and an audit of his movable and immovable assets.

Locals describe the escalating scale of theft metaphorically: small theft is a "theft," bigger theft is a "siphon theft," larger theft is "pond theft," then "river theft," and at the highest scale, "sea theft." Yet, they question what term applies when theft knows no bounds. Such corrupt practices have reportedly become commonplace in various BMDA projects, with no one held accountable so far.

Insiders reveal that Ruhul Amin, a contractor and vice president of Thakurgaon municipal BNP, was initially awarded canal re-excavation work in Naogaon. However, that work remained incomplete. To keep the BNP leader satisfied, the same work was irregularly reassigned to him in Rajshahi without a new tender process.

The project in question is the “Second Phase of Canal Renovation and Irrigation Expansion through Water Conservation in Barendra Region.” The contract worth approximately BDT 21.99 lakh was awarded to RR Enterprise, a Thakurgaon-based contractor owned by Ruhul Amin.

Documents show that on January 20, the PD invited tenders for canal renovation and pipeline installation in Mohadevpur (Naogaon) and Chapainawabganj Sadar Upazilas. After receiving bids by February 4, the contract for canal renovation in Buzrukkantipur Khal of Mohadevpur was awarded to RR Enterprise on April 17.

Surprisingly, RR Enterprise began canal work in Ghanshyampur, Godagari Upazila (Rajshahi) shortly after, completing nearly 600 meters of excavation, including use of two excavators near Ghanshyampur Bridge. However, only the excavator operators were seen on site.

BMDA sources explain that the original contract was for 700 meters of canal renovation in Mohadevpur for BDT 21.99 lakh. Due to excess payments, the contractor could not complete the work as water entered the canal, making excavation impossible. Instead of canceling that contract and inviting new tenders, the PD irregularly assigned the Rajshahi work to the same contractor without competitive bidding. The Rajshahi project covers 1,600 meters.

The BMDA insider points out that awarding a longer canal work contract for the same price as a shorter, more expensive one is suspicious and violates regulations.

When questioned, PD Nazirul Islam justified the reassignment by saying water entered the Mohadevpur canal before work started, preventing progress. Therefore, he gave the contractor the Ghanshyampur project, insisting it was not irregular.

Another BMDA PD, requesting anonymity, contradicted this explanation, stating that if work is impossible after awarding a contract, the order must be canceled or suspended. Transferring another job to keep a contractor “happy” without proper tendering is irregular, as quantities and costs differ for each project.

Asked about how he secured the contract despite the irregularities, Ruhul Amin responded, “I can’t say about that. It’s better to ask BMDA. They gave me the work, and I am doing it. The work is almost finished; about one kilometer remains.”

BMDA’s acting secretary Enamul Qadir said he was unaware of the issue and that if complaints arise, the authority would investigate.

This case highlights ongoing concerns over transparency and accountability in development projects, with calls growing louder for thorough probes and corrective measures to ensure proper use of public funds and fair contracting processes.

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