In the flood-prone char regions of Kurigram, “cluster homes” are emerging as a beacon of hope, offering safe shelter during floods.

Built as high structures through joint community efforts, these homes are providing vital protection for families in some of the country’s most vulnerable areas.

Located along rivers such as the Brahmaputra, Teesta, Dharla, and Dudhkumar, the char areas are highly susceptible to seasonal floods and river erosion.

In response, many families have come together to build high-rise cluster homes — structures elevated 8 to 10 feet above ground — to escape the water and avoid the annual cycle of displacement.

Each cluster home typically shelters 5 to 10 families and costs around Tk 40,000 to Tk 60,000 to construct, depending on size and materials. The land used usually spans 15 to 25 decimals.

There are approximately 469 chars in Kurigram, and the concept is spreading rapidly across many of them.

Mizanur Rahman, 55, a daily wage earner from Char Mantala in Chilmari upazila, shared his experience: “Last year, 10 families built a cluster home on 25 decimals of land at a cost of Tk 60,000. When floods hit, our home stays dry, and even people from surrounding areas come here for shelter.”

Nazrul Islam, 65, a farmer from Bajra in Char Ulipur upazila — an island on the Teesta River — said that they have been living in a cluster house with five families for three years now.

“We’ve planted trees and made it more livable. Living together during floods makes us feel safer and more united,” he added.

Sekender Ali, 70, of Char Gorkamandal in Naodanga Union of Phulbari upazila, explained, “Before, our homes would sink every year. We had to take refuge in schools or on roadsides. Now, eight families have built a cluster house together. It’s 10 feet high, and we feel safe.”

Chan Mia, 56, a daily labourer from the same area, said, “I couldn’t afford to build a house on my own. Every year, we suffer from floods. Now, I’m talking to a few families so we can build a cluster home together.”

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Professor Shafiqul Islam Bebu, convener of the Kurigram Char Development Committee, praised the model but emphasized the need for government intervention.

“Cluster homes are highly effective for char dwellers, but most families can’t afford to build them. Government support is very limited. After every flood, we realize how essential these homes are,” he said.

“We have been urging the formation of a Ministry of Char Affairs, like the Ministry of Hill Affairs, and continue to engage char communities on this demand. We hope the government will recognize the need soon,” Prof Bebu added.

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Meanwhile the Deputy Commissioner or DC of Kurigram, Nusrat Sultana, acknowledged the challenges faced by the char people. “I’ve been serving as DC for 10 months. Around 600,000 people live in the chars and island chars of 16 rivers, including the Brahmaputra, Teesta, Dharla, and Dudhkumar. These areas face severe issues related to education, healthcare, and basic services,” she said.

“We’ve communicated these concerns to the government, and the district administration is working to improve quality of life in the char regions,” she added.