Protests Erupt in Laxmipur Over Alleged Road Construction Fraud

Residents of Laxmipur Sadar Upazila blocked the Dhaka-Laxmipur highway for several hours on Thursday, protesting alleged corruption and poor workmanship in a recent road renovation project.

The protesters, some carrying brooms in a symbolic gesture against "sweeping away corruption," focused on a 4.5-kilometer stretch of road connecting Battali to Dattapara. Local residents claim the road began crumbling just days after completion because the contractor used substandard materials.

The blockade at the Battali section triggered severe traffic congestion, with long lines of vehicles stretching toward Chaumuhani. While general transit was halted, protesters allowed ambulances and other emergency vehicles to pass.

The demonstration ended only after Sadar Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Kathoypru Marma arrived at the scene. He promised the crowd that a formal investigation would be launched.

"This road is already falling apart. If it isn't fixed properly now, the upcoming monsoon will make it completely impassable," one local resident said. Protesters have threatened to besiege the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) office if the road is not fully reconstructed to standard.

Sadar Upazila Executive Officer Kathoypru Marma confirmed he would notify higher authorities and formally request a swift resolution from the relevant departments.

Ujjwal Chowdhury, the LGED Executive Engineer for the district, stated that his office is aware of the complaints. "We have informed the higher authorities. They will inspect the site and take appropriate action," Chowdhury said.