Residents of  Charbhadrason upazila in Faridpur are living in fear of flooding as a large portion of an embankment along the Padma River in Haziganj Bazar has developed cracks.

Locals say vast tracts of land in the upazila could be inundated during the monsoon if immediate steps are not taken to protect the embankment from erosion.

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They claim their repeated pleas to the authorities concerned for the restoration of the embankment along the Padma have so far fallen on deaf ears.

The three-kilometre-long embankment was constructed along the Padma in MPdangi, Charhaziganj Bazar and Charhossainpur areas in 2019-20 financial year. Three private firms were roped in to construct the embankment at a cost of Tk 144 crore.

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But within a year of the construction, many cracks have developed. Moreover, portions of the embankment have already caved in at places, according to the locals.

Motaleb Hossain, Chairman of Charbhadrason upazila, said, “Following the demands of the local people, the Water Development Board built the embankment in the area. But we are left aghast as it has developed cracks within a year of construction."

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Kabir Hossain, President of Haziganj Bazar Banik Samity, said, “It's a glaring example of public money going down the drain. The poor construction quality is the reason behind the cracks."

When contacted, the executive magistrate of Faridpur Water Development Board Sultan Mahmud said, “The contractors have been informed and they will repair the cracks at their own cost. The problem will be resolved soon."