But implementation of too many projects in such a short time during rainy season has drawbacks also. The work is not done properly as substandard materials are used, some locals alleged while talking to this correspondent. The roads are being renovated hurriedly only to secure vote, they said.

Contractors got the opportunity to use below standard bricks as local BNP lawmaker Shahidul Islam Master wants completion of the work before end of his tenure to show people, they said.

Talking to this correspondent, an official in the account section in Jhenidah LGED office "As contractors bought the works at higher rates from ruling party men they (contractors) are compelled to use substandard bricks to keep the cost lower."

Jhenidah LGED (Local Govern-ment Engineering Department) Executive Engineer however claimed that bricks being used in the road repair are not of low quality.

During this correspondent's visit to the Maheshpur upazila, Sazzad Hossain and Ansar Ali of Jaguchha village said villagers obstructed the contractor from doing the repair work as low quality bricks were used.

This correspondent also visited the work in Koatchandpur upazila and talked to local people.

Abdul Aziz Malitha of Sherkhali village said old and substandard bricks are being used to build the road from Sherkhali to Mamunshia. He said seeing the sub-standard work, they submitted a written complaint to higher authorities but no action was taken.

Sources in Koatchandpur and Maheshpur upazila engineers' offices said, tenders were called on March 21 for construction of 38 roads at a cost of Tk. 5.35 crore.

Seeking anonymity a contractor said, "As genuine contractors were not allowed to purchase tender schedules, they were bound to buy the works from ruling party leaders at much higher rates.

"As prices of brick soared suddenly, most of the contractors were unwilling to start work. But as the local lawmaker asked them to complete the work anyhow, they are doing the work hurriedly".

Contractor Abu Nasir Liton however claimed substandard bricks are not being used althrough. "Due to crisis of bricks, low quality bricks are being used in certain areas."

A LGED official in Koatch-andpur upazila said they showed lawmaker Shahidul the repair work in Dora union being done with substandard bricks and other materials. The lawmaker asked contractor to complete the work before expiry of the government's tenure.

On contact, Maheshpur Upazila Engineer Shafiqur Rahman admitted that quality of construction materials used for the road repair was not satisfactory.

When contacted, lawmaker Shahidul Islam Master expressed his ignorance about use of low quality bricks.

"If such malpractice takes place, contractors and the LGED officials will be held responsible for this."

When asked about his directive to contractors to complete the work before expiry of government's tenure, "I must try to facilitate my voters and save them from walking on muddy roads."