Staff Reporter: The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development. Md. Tajul Islam said, those involved will have to suffer severe consequences if the quality of construction of all types of infrastructure including roads, bridges and culverts is poor.

He made the remarks during a visit to the Gopalganj district on Monday (November 8) at Tungipara and Kotalipara Upazila Parishad Auditorium to discuss development issues with Upazila people's representatives, political leaders and government officials.

The minister said if the quality of work is not maintained, the outcome will not be good for anyone involved in it. Strict legal action will also be taken against engineers, contractors or anyone else involved in substandard work.

There is no alternative to sustainable development to build a developed-prosperous country. Tajul Islam said all the ongoing activities of the local engineering department-LGED, public health engineering department, public works and other ministries must be sustainable and of high quality.

He further said that it is the responsibility of all concerned including engineers to inspect and monitor whether the quality of work is good and whether it is being completed on time. It is not true that no action can be taken against the contractor if he is negligent. Action must be taken against those who do not work properly, do not maintain the quality of work, do not complete the work within the specified time.

The minister said, unnecessary infrastructure, including roads and bridges, can not be built. It should be done where it is needed. It is necessary to ensure that the road is not repaired in five years after paving. That is why design and cost have been increased. He also said that it is better to spend more on quality and sustainability than building roads and bridges or other infrastructure with less money.

The local government minister also called upon the people of all walks of life including people's representatives, government officials, engineers, doctors and farmers-workers to work together under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to realize the dream of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Khulna-2 MP Sheikh Salauddin Jewel was present as the guest of honor at the function presided over by Gopalganj Deputy Commissioner Shahida Sultana. Shahid Ullah Khandaker. Besides, officials of various government departments/institutions including district Awami League and local leaders.

Later, the Minister inspected various development activities of the government in Tungipara and Kotalipara and promised to solve all the problems in ensuring civic services.