Students Raise Concerns Over Bent Pillars at PSTU Barishal Campus Gate

Allegations of construction irregularities have emerged regarding the main entrance gate at the Barishal campus of Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU). Students have expressed concern after noticing visibly bent pillars instead of straight structural columns at the gate.

According to university sources, construction of the main gate began nearly six months ago. However, progress has been slow, and students earlier raised questions about the quality of materials used in the project.

A recent visit to the site showed that several pillars appear misaligned and tilted. The issue has raised concerns about the safety and durability of the structure. Students say the lack of proper supervision during construction may have contributed to the problem.

Sources at the university said more than Tk 4 million has been allocated for the project. Despite this, the work has advanced slowly due to poor planning and alleged negligence by those responsible.

The unfinished structure has also caused inconvenience for students using the main road inside the campus. The absence of a proper gate has created difficulties for campus bus movement and raised security concerns, as outsiders can enter the campus freely after evening hours.

Assistant Proctor Dr (name not provided) said he had repeatedly contacted the contractor to speed up the work.

“I have asked the contractor several times to complete the construction quickly. The work has taken longer than expected, and the structural defects in the pillars are concerning. The absence of a proper gate is also a security issue,” he said.

The contractor admitted the delay but said the project deadline has not yet passed.

“Due to various commitments, the work slowed down. However, about two months remain before the official deadline,” he said, adding that quality materials had been used in the construction.

When asked about the bent pillars, the contractor acknowledged the mistake.

“The damaged portion will be demolished and rebuilt properly,” he said.

Dr (name not provided), convener of the project monitoring committee, confirmed that the issue has been discussed with the contractor and engineers.

“The bent section will be removed and reconstructed. We hope the work will be completed soon,” he said.

Attempts were made to contact the Vice-Chancellor of the university for comment, but he could not be reached.