Agri ministry praises media

The ministry of agriculture yesterday commended role of newspapers and journalists in pointing out anomalies in the construction work of a building under the ministry where bamboo sticks were being used in place of iron rods.

The ministry made a strong note of commitment to ensure highest punishment to the culprits through complete investigation. "None will be spared to this end," said a ministry press release. 

Part of Biological Research Centre and Lab building in Darshana under Damurhuda upazila had been constructed using bamboo sticks instead of iron rods. Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) of Chuadanga was implementing the 2.41 crore project. 

Different newspapers and private television channels carried out reports highlighting the construction anomalies.

In the news release, the ministry pointed out different actions taken against the persons responsible. It said it has formed a three-member inquiry committee apart from another by DAE to probe into the anomalies.

Project director has been transferred to Khagrachhari and a project consultant has been transferred to Barguna. Both have been asked to join the new offices within a day. A sub-assistant engineer has been suspended.

All new construction works under the infrastructure development section of the DAE's planning, project implementation and ICT wings have been stopped.

DAE director general has been given 24 hours to inform the ministry about legal action to be taken against the construction firm Joy International and supervising institution Engineers Consortium Limited.

The release said a case has been filed on April 11 in this connection.