Tender scam: 8 hurt as pro-AL, BNP contractors clash

13 May 2009, 18:00 PM

Our Correspondent, Nilphamari

Eight people were injured in a clash yesterday between pro-BNP and pro-Awami League (AL) contractors over dropping tenders at Dalia office of the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) in the district. Contractors said the BWDB invited tender quotations on April 13 for leasing out Teesta barrage toll collection from vehicles. A total of 114 schedules were sold for bidding. Yesterday was the last date for dropping tenders but so far only seven were dropped finally. Sources said most of the contractors abstained from participating as there was a negotiation on tender with most of them on May 12. Pro-BNP contractors who were not involved in the negotiation were obstructed by the group belonging to Awami League. At one stage a fierce clash erupted between the two contractor groups. Eventually, Awami League supported contractor Sirajul Islam of Lalmonirhat district became the highest bidder among only seven bidders. Some contractors alleged that several upazila Awami League leaders of Hati-bandha upazila of the district were present at the time of tender dropping. A tense situation was prevailing and police were deployed in the area to avoid further clash.