The Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) has undertaken a major initiative to improve rural connectivity in Mohanpur upazila of Rajshahi, with strict conditions imposed to ensure the quality of road rehabilitation works.
Under the “Rural Road Maintenance and Preservation” programme for the 2026-27 fiscal year, nine roads covering 6.605 kilometres have been approved in the upazila, with an estimated cost of around Tk 9.10 crore. The projects are currently at the tendering stage.
Including these projects and other ongoing and proposed road development initiatives, public investment in Mohanpur’s rural road infrastructure is expected to be substantial.
However, LGED has placed particular emphasis on quality control alongside expenditure. According to the work orders, laboratory test results of construction materials and completed works must be preserved, while site order books must be kept at the project sites. Contractors have also been instructed to strictly follow directions issued by the concerned engineers and higher authorities.
The works are being supervised by officials including Mohanpur Upazila Engineer Md Rakib Hasan and Sub-Assistant Engineers Ripon Ali Sarker and Md Sabbir Khandaker under the direction of Rajshahi LGED Executive Engineer Md Abul Kalam Azad Mollah.
Strict conditions on construction equipment
The work orders also contain specific provisions regarding the use of construction equipment. Particular emphasis has been placed on the use of LGED’s construction machinery and road rollers. Contractors have been instructed not to use road rollers belonging to other agencies without reasonable justification.
If a contractor uses its own construction equipment, documents proving ownership and usability—including import documents, payment records, purchase and sale receipts, and agreements related to the purchase of road rollers—must be submitted.
In the absence of the required documents, the rental cost of construction equipment and road rollers may be deducted from the contractor’s bill in accordance with government rules.
The work orders further state that if a contractor fails to complete a project within the stipulated period, action will be taken under the Public Procurement Act 2006, Public Procurement Rules 2025 (PPR), and the terms and conditions of the contract.
Six roads to be inaugurated on August 24
As part of the ongoing road development and rehabilitation activities in Mohanpur, six roads are scheduled to be inaugurated on August 24. Local MP Mohammad Shafiqul Haque Milon is scheduled to inaugurate the roads throughout the day.
The roads include a 1,195-metre stretch from the side of Chandpur Chowrasta Jame Mosque through Makhonpur Guchchagram to the residence of former union member Munsur; a 1,200-metre road from Mougachhi GPS to Krishnapur UZR; a 990-metre road from Kotalipara UZR to Kotalipara BWDB; a 1,270-metre road from Darapara to Mugaipara Hat; a 1,500-metre road from Bishahara UZR to Hatkhola; and a 450-metre road from Krishnapur UZR to Krishnapur East Para.
The roads connect several rural communities, including Chandpur, Nakharajighat, Hindupur, Dhorsa, Chak Birahi, Bishahara and Krishnapur.
Road rehabilitation completed at 10.86pc below estimated cost
According to an LGED work order, a 3.2-kilometre road titled “Rehabilitation of Dhopaghata GCM-Mohanganj GCM (Up to Kuttibari) Road from Ch. 00-3200m” was rehabilitated under the Rural Road Maintenance and Preservation programme for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
The estimated cost of the rehabilitation work was Tk 2,62,62,110. Following the tender process, the contract value was fixed at Tk 2,08,50,088—Tk 54,12,022, or around 10.86 percent, below the estimated cost.
Although the work was awarded at a lower price than the estimate, the work order contains several conditions requiring the contractor to maintain the specified design, technical specifications and quality standards.
The work order states that the project commenced on February 18 and was completed on June 19 in accordance with the prescribed schedule, plans and designs.
Expected to improve rural connectivity
Local residents hope that the road development and rehabilitation projects will significantly improve connectivity across Mohanpur’s unions. Better roads are expected to facilitate the transportation and marketing of agricultural produce, ease the movement of students and residents, and improve access to local markets.
Mohanpur Upazila Engineer Md Rokib Hasan said the development of the rural roads would accelerate agricultural activities and make it easier for farmers to transport their produce to markets.
“As a result, farmers will have better opportunities to receive fair and proper prices for their produce, while the rural economy will become stronger,” he said.
He added that action would be taken against any contractor who fails to complete a project within the stipulated timeframe in accordance with the Public Procurement Act 2006 and Public Procurement Rules 2025.
According to LGED sources, the nine roads approved under the 2026-27 programme are expected to be completed by March 2027.
Officials concerned hope that strict compliance with approved designs, technical specifications and engineering standards will ensure durable roads and contribute to sustainable improvement of rural connectivity in Mohanpur.
