Allegations of irregularities in development work have created a deadlock at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College in Bogura. The dispute centres on claims that low-quality equipment was supplied under government tenders and that a proposed new substation, estimated to cost nearly Tk 70 million, was advanced without adequate capacity assessment. The college principal, Professor Dr Md Wadudul Haque Tarfadar, has raised objections through letters to the Public Works Department.

In a complaint sent to the department’s chief engineer on July 15, the principal said 24 five-ton air coolers were installed at a cost of about Tk 7.3 million without ensuring sufficient electricity capacity. He said a proposal was later sent for a 3,000-kilowatt substation costing about Tk 67.5 million. He also alleged that a planned 250 KVA generator from the United States, Japan or Europe was replaced by a Chinese-made 120 KVA generator.

The principal said the college already has a substation and a 500-kilowatt transformer, arguing that an additional 500 kilowatts would meet demand. Bogura Public Works executive engineer Md Al Mamun Haque denied any irregularities, saying work was being implemented according to rules. An unnamed electrical engineer said adding transformers could meet the institution’s needs.