The Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) has ordered the demolition of an under-construction bridge in Agailjhara upazila of Barishal after confirming that bamboo sticks were used instead of steel rods in its concrete structure. On Thursday afternoon, LGED engineer Rabindra Chakraborty inspected the bridge built over the Dushumi-Karim Bazar canal in Ratnapur Union and found bamboo attached to the northern end of the bridge during casting. Following the inspection, he directed that the structure be dismantled immediately.

Agailjhara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Likhan Banik said the issue came to light through social media, prompting an on-site investigation. He confirmed that bamboo had been used, making the structure unsafe, and stated that the bridge would be rebuilt following government standards. The bridge’s structure was initially funded from the previous fiscal year’s upazila allocation, but the casting work was completed this year without official approval or funding.

Local residents expressed anger over the irregularity and demanded quick reconstruction. The administration has warned of strict action against anyone involved in such unauthorized and risky construction in the future.