Indecision over site selection delays construction work

Indecision over selecting the right location has been delaying the construction work of Moulvibazar's Kulaura Upazila Central Shaheed Minar.

Although the tender process has already been completed, unfortunately indecision over site selection is hindering the construction work of the monument.

While visiting the Central Shaheed Minar premises a few days ago, this correspondent saw several large cracks have developed in the year-old structure while its surroundings remained dirty.

Locals said actually the Central Shaheed Minar has not been renovated for years, except some paint work during the month of February every year.

They said this is the first Shaheed Minar built in Kulaura municipality, but now it is on the verge of collapse due to lack of maintenance by the authorities concerned.

Kulaura Sangbadik Samity General Secretary Shaidul Hasan Shipon said, "I would suggest that the concerned authorities should select a suitable location for the Shaheed Minar, which is easily accessible."

Chairman of Kulaura Upazila Parishad, also Senior Vice-President of Kulaura Upazila Awami League (AL), AKM Shofi Ahmed Solman said they want to build the Shaheed Minar on the PWD land, close to the Independence Monument, but the mayor of Kulaura municipality has other views.

Meanwhile, Kulaura Municipality Mayor Shipar Uddin Ahmed said Moulvibazar Zila Parishad has allocated funds for construction of a model Shaheed Minar in Kulaura upazila.

Now, it is the Zila Parishad chairman's responsibility to appoint the contractor and select the right location, not others, he said.

Contacted, Moulvibazar Zila Parishad Chairman Mishbaur Rahman said the tender process for construction of a model Shaheed Minar in Kulaura has already been completed.

"We will start the construction work soon after getting allocation of land from the authorities concerned," Mishbaur said, adding that Tk 42 lakh has been allocated for construction of the model Shaheed Minar.

Kulaura Upazila AL President Rafiqul Islam Renu said the Central Shaheed Minar was built about 60 years ago, but if the authorities concerned want to build it at another place, the Zila Parishad should discuss it with everyone.