Ramshackle BADC building makes staffs' life risky

The BADC officers and employees in the district have been working in a very old and dilapidated office building risking their lives as it can collapse any time.

Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation (BADC) has been functioning in the two-stored building since 1971 that has not undergone any major repair or renovation since then.

The building is damp as water trickles down the roof during rain and cracks develop on the walls, roof and pillars while weeds grow in many places. There are signs of fallen chunks of concrete and plaster.

Sub-Assistant Engineer (SAO) Md Rabiul Islam on Wednesday said big chunks of concrete and plaster fell from the roof just beside his chair two days ago while he was working in his office on the first floor. He said he would have died if they had fallen on him.

Rabiul said they have abandoned their office on the first floor and are working on the ground floor though it is also risky as there is no other alternative.

Head Mechanic Azad Ali Shah said a large number of farmers come to the office for getting their pumps serviced and for other official work.

Farmer Khairat Hossain of Shimultoli village in Sadar upazila said they felt scared when entered the office as concrete chunks and lumps of plaster often fall from the ceiling.

Monjurul Master of Khoksabari village said he sustained injuries a week ago when a concrete chunk fell on him and he had to go to hospital for treatment.

Office Assistant Abdul Hannan said he can't concentrate on his work for fear of accident.

Assistant Engineer Hussain Md Khaleduzzaman said he asked the higher authorities in a letter to arrange a new office. He said the authorities assured him of taking a new project in this regard.