Contractor abandons ICT Building construction at Thanchi College
THANCHI CORRESPONDENT, BANDARBAN
The construction of the ICT building at Thanchi College in Bandarban has been stalled for three years. As a result, over a hundred students are unable to access digital classes and computer-based education.
The Bangladesh Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education initiated a project in 2022-23 to build the ICT building with an estimated cost of Tk 8.2 million. The lowest bid was awarded to a local contractor, who later sold the contract to another contractor, Hlamongching Marma.
The contractor completed only 15 per cent of the work, including poles and beams, before abandoning the project. Despite repeated promises, no progress has been made for the past two to three years.
On July 1, this reporter visited the site, where rusted iron rods, beams, and poles were found exposed to the elements.
Students and teachers expressed concerns about the lack of practical ICT classes, with many fearing poor exam results due to the absence of proper facilities.
Principal Dhominik Tripura said, “Officials from the Education Engineering Department assured me the work would be completed, but after three years, there has been no progress.”
The Executive Engineer of the Education Engineering Department, Mohammad Mirjanur Rahman, said the contractor was paid Tk 2.5 million, but due to losses, the contract was terminated. A new contractor will be appointed, and the project is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
