Engineers feed communications minister 'false' reports on roads

Communications Minister Obaidul Quader claims he has been fed a number of 'false reports’ on road conditions by roads and highways engineers.

"I find the real picture to be quite different," he said at a gathering that discussed the progress on projects under the Roads and Highways Department on Saturday.

"Please do not deceive the people with fake reports," Quader asked the engineers.

He said he always informed the media of a deadline to finish a project only after consulting the engineers.

"Please do not make me lie before the media. If necessary take a month or two more [to finish a project].

"Otherwise, the media will report that the work missed the deadline given by the minister," he said.

Before this year's Eid-ul-Fitr, Quader said the rundown highways would be repaired by July 20 but journalists reported huge stretches of the roads remaining unattended.

"I will not make promises that I can't keep," he told the engineers.