Patuakhali WDB office locked since Tuesday

This correspondent during a visit to the office at about 11 am on Thursday found all the rooms locked.

The nameplate of the Executive Engineer was also not seen at the entrance of his office.

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A good number of contractors told this correspondent that the officials "fled away" fearing "harassment" for their alleged irregularities in giving Tk 14 crore work to some "selected contractors". They alleged underhand deals in the process.

The work includes construction and reconstruction of sluice gates and embankments.

They alleged that the officials including the Executive Engineer, Sectional Officer, Sub-Divisional Engineer (SDE) did not come to office since January 5 when the work was distributed among some of the contractors.

This correspondent also tried to contact the Executive Engineer on his mobile phone (No 0171-883937). "It is not possible to connect now", was the reply always.