Jamuna Bridge Cracks
Probe body seeks 3 more weeks to find cause
Staff Correspondent
The probe committee to find the cause of the cracks in Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge applied for extension of time yesterday as it could not submit the report by March 20, the deadline. The seven-member committee led by Vice-chancellor of Brac University Jamilur Reza Chowdhury sought another three weeks' time to investigate the matter, according to sources in the communications ministry. The committee, formed on March 13, held two meetings and visited the bridge for physical survey but could not reach a consensus on the cause of the cracks. For reaching a consensus and submitting the report the committee needs more time, sources said. Earlier, Communications Minister Nazmul Huda visited the Jamuna bridge to see the reported cracks on the surface of the bridge and stressed the need for a thorough examination to ascertain the depth and cause of the cracks. The operation of both broad-gauge and metre-gauge trains was primarily blamed for the cracks. The Bangladesh Railway officials, however, denied the allegation. "I hope the railway will be cleared of the blame after the probe committee report is submitted," said a high official of the Bangladesh Railway.
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