Allegations have emerged that expired cement and relatively lower-priced steel rods are being used in a 10-storey administrative building under construction at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology. The Tk53 crore project is being built by Desh Unnayan Corporation under the university’s Further Development Project-2, according to a report published on August 17. The same contractor is also constructing another 10-storey residential hall under an Tk87 crore contract.

The report said expired cement bags were found at the materials storage site, with some expiry dates falling in April, September and December of last year and January of this year. Workers alleged that such cement was being used. Exposed rods were also observed at several roof locations where concrete appeared insufficient, while students alleged the use of low-quality stone and sand.

Project Manager Ariful Islam denied using expired cement, saying the firm uses running Lafarge cement and that the rods are listed by the PWD. As of August 9, about 30 percent of work had been completed, although the UGC deadline is December 11. Professor HMA Mahjuz said expired cement may not provide required strength and exposed reinforcement can rust and cause concrete cracking.