Severe erosion by the Nabaganga River is threatening a riverbank protection embankment built at a cost of Tk 25 crore in Kalia Upazila of Narail District, sparking panic among more than 500 families living along the riverbank.
Large sections of the embankment are gradually being devoured by the river, putting at risk at least five villages including the centuries-old commercial hub of Mahajan Bazar.
Residents fear they could lose their homes and livelihoods at any time if urgent protective measures are not taken.
Local people alleged that despite repeated appeals and several human chains demanding action authorities have yet to take effective steps to stop the erosion.
According to locals, the riverbank protection project was taken about three decades ago by the Bangladesh Water Development Board to safeguard Mahajan Bazar and surrounding settlements.
The project also aimed to protect schools, hospitals, religious institutions and other key establishments in the historic trading centre of the area.
Construction of a permanent embankment began in 2005 along a 1.9-kilometre stretch of the Nabaganga River, from Mahajan Uttarpara to Ghoshibaria in Kalia upazila, they said.
Water Development Board completed the project in early 2011 at an estimated cost of Tk 25 crore.
However, cracks and erosion have appeared in several sections of the embankment over the past four years, gradually weakening the structure and increasing the risk of collapse.
More than 500 families living along the riverbank now spend their days in constant fear of losing their homes.
Residents said their repeated appeals and protests have so far failed to draw meaningful intervention from the authorities.
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For many families, the erosion has become a story of uncertainty and loss.
Swapna Saha, Parul Bala and Champa Saha said they now live in constant anxiety, unsure where they will go if the river claims their homes.
With children and grandchildren to care for, they fear the swelling river could leave them homeless at any moment.
Officials say the embankment is ageing and has not undergone major repairs in recent years.
Abhijit Kumar Saha, executive engineer WDB in Narail, said illegal sand extraction from the river has contributed to the erosion.
The fast-flowing Nabaganga River stretches about 200 kilometres in total, of which nearly 42 kilometres pass through Narail district, he added.