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Published : 16 Jun 2026, 07:35 PM
Authorities in Narayanganj have halted extracting soil beneath the pillars of the Padma Bridge Rail Link at Fatullah’s Aliganj, following concerns raised over safety and lack of prior approval.
The district administration said the work has been temporarily stopped until relevant project documents are verified after officials claimed that soil was being removed as part of a construction-related operation.
Locals said soil had been excavated beneath the bridge pillars for days.
The issue drew attention after residents obstructed the activity and videos of the site went viral on social media.
The administration said it had not been informed in advance, although notifying local authorities is standard procedure for such works.
Following the development, Narayanganj district administration stopped the work pending verification of documents.
On Saturday, Fatullah Circle Assistant Commissioner (Land) Asaduzzaman Noor, acting on the directive of Narayanganj Sadar Upazila administrator (UNO) SM Foyez Uddin, visited the site and ordered suspension of the work.
“We saw the matter on social media and immediately sent the AC (Land), who stopped the work,” UNO Foyez said on Tuesday.
However, locals claimed soil removal continued on Monday night and Tuesday morning in the area between pillars 84 and 91, with at least 15ft of earth excavated, creating large pits.
They also alleged water has accumulated in the excavated areas and expressed concern over potential risks to the bridge structure.
A railway project official said the land beneath the structure was previously low-lying and filled during construction by the contractor without payment, adding that restoration work was now being carried out as per contract requirements.
“The contractor is required to restore the site to its original condition,” said Additional Chief Engineer (Track and Works) Abu Yousuf Mohammad Shamim.
He said consultants from the Bangladesh Army are supervising the work to ensure safety standards are maintained.
“The contractor may have engaged another party to carry out the excavation work,” he added.
The project is being implemented by China Railway Group Limited, with the completion deadline set for June 2027.
Narayanganj Deputy Commissioner Md Raihan Kabir said the administration had asked for proper documentation after the issue came to light.
“We were not informed in advance. The work has been stopped for now,” he said, adding that the matter had been referred to the ministry for further decision.
The project authorities and the Bangladesh Army have been approached for comment.
