United News of Bangladesh

In a calamitous turn of events that has left a swathe of communities stranded and anxious, a key bridge and road in Sylhet’s Balaganj upazila gave way to the relentless currents of the Kushiyara River on Wednesday morning, a devastating result of unchecked riverbank erosion. The collapse occurred at approximately 8am in the Fazilpur area along the Khasrupur GC–Balaganj road — one of the region’s vital lifelines.  This arterial route, stretching nearly 24 kilometres and connecting Balaganj to Sherpur in Osmaninagar upazila, now lies in ruins, swallowed by the river’s unyielding tide. Once a dependable corridor for commuters, traders and farmers alike, the road has become an emblem of despair.  BNP activist killed in factional clash in Jashore, six held With the thoroughfare rendered impassable, thousands of residents find themselves abruptly cut off from the upazila headquarters and surrounding regions, including the busy union of Purbo Poilunpur.  In a bid to avert further hazards, local authorities have disconnected power lines adjacent to the affected stretch. Locals recount a tale of growing dread over the past months — visible cracks had begun to snake across the roadway near the doomed bridge.  The once-sturdy route bore silent testimony to a worsening threat, but calls for decisive action were met, according to residents, with insufficient measures. “The road is crucial for thousands of people in Balaganj and Osmaninagar upazilas to reach the upazila and district headquarters, as well as nearby markets,” shared one resident, his voice tinged with frustration.  The road was not just a path but a pulse — transporting goods, sustaining commerce, and stitching together livelihoods across the two upazilas. Chuadanga records highest temperature at 42 degrees Celsius   Despite repeated warnings since November last year and appeals made through formal channels, including proposals to the Water Development Board (WDB) to install geo-bags and concrete blocks, only temporary, makeshift steps were taken. Soil and silt bags — no match for the Kushiyara’s seasonal fury — were laid down as a stopgap.  The result, according to locals, was tragically predictable. On April 28, Sylhet’s Deputy Director of Local Government Subarna Sarkar visited the site, raising hopes that permanent protection might finally be in sight.  Yet, according to eyewitnesses and residents, no concrete action followed, and the erosion continued unabated. On the day of the collapse, the scene was visited by Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Acting Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sarkar Mamunur Rashid and Upazila Engineer Muhibullah, who assessed the damage first-hand. Purbo Poilunpur Union Parishad Chairman Shihab Uddin voiced the frustration felt by many, “We had informed the WDB and other concerned departments through the UNO’s office when erosion started near Fazilpur. Despite this, no substantial steps were taken, leading to this disaster. Several other areas like Hamchapur are also at risk.” Acknowledging the urgency of the situation, acting UNO Mamunur Rashid assured that immediate efforts are underway. “We have contacted the Water Development Board to take necessary measures to prevent further erosion. Efforts are underway to restore road communication from Balaganj to Sherpur in Osmaninagar as soon as possible to ease public suffering," he said.  Dhaka’s rail communications with southern region resume after 15 hrs As the people of Balaganj and Osmaninagar struggle  with the aftermath, questions loom over what could have been done — and whether future pleas for protection will be met with the urgency they demand. Until then, the river continues its quiet, powerful encroachment — and the people, their livelihoods hanging in the balance, wait for solid ground to stand on once more.      

More than 50,000 people living along the banks of the Kushiyara River in Sylhet's Beanibazar upazila are living in constant fear. Severe erosion has caused miles of roads to collapse into the river, and many structures—including homes, schools, mosques, madrasas, and graveyards—have already gone into the gorge of the river. The embankment meant to safeguard the riverbanks is also under threat. Locals alleged that despite the ongoing erosion, no effective measures have been implemented to address the situation. Beanibazar Upazila, located in the northeast of Sylhet district, is bordered to the north by Zakiganj, to the south by Baralekha, to the east by the Indian state of Assam, and to the west by Golapganj. It is approximately 52 km from Sylhet Sadar. This riverine region is home to several rivers, including the Surma, Kushiyara, and Sonai. The Kushiyara River, which originates from the Barak River in Assam, flows through Zakiganj, Beanibazar, Golapganj, Fenchuganj, Balaganj, Rajnagar, Moulvibazar, Nabiganj, and Jagannathpur. "Wherever the torrential Kushiara River flows, vast settlements have been lost," locals lament. Despite various initiatives by the Water Development Board to protect the riverbanks, erosion remains a significant issue. In the Angura Mohammadpur area, both banks of the Kushiyara River have suffered extensive erosion over the past few years. "Roads, homes, schools, mosques, madrasas, and graveyards have already been washed away." "From Angura Mohammadpur downstream to Amura in Golapganj Upazila, over three kilometers of riverbank protection dams have crumbled, disrupting transportation." Despite repeated requests to the government for repairs, little progress has been made. According to locals, using blocks or geo bags could effectively protect the riverbanks. Mizan Ahmad from Angura Mohammadpur expressed concern: "The Kushiara River has swallowed parts of our area. Three and a half kilometers of road from Angura Mohammadpur to Amura Union have gone under the river, along with many houses." He added, “Those who can afford left the place and built houses elsewhere" Bahar Uddin, an expatriate from the UK living in Angura Mohammadpur, noted that the river's course has shifted dramatically over the last 25-30 years. "Where there used to be settlements, there is now river, and where the river once flowed has become land." Nabaganga erosion hits Narail villages "As our roads have gone into the river gorge, traveling has become very difficult," he said. Kofil Uddin, head teacher of Govindashri Government Primary School, mentioned that the collapse of the riverbank dam severely disrupts student movement during the monsoon. “Over 50,000 people in the area, including teachers and students, are suffering a lot even in the dry season,” he added. Deepak Ranjan Das, Executive Engineer of the Sylhet Water Development Board, recently visited the erosion-affected Angura Mohammadpur area and assured residents that repair work would begin soon. He stated, “We are working to address the breaking points as quickly as possible. A letter has already been sent to higher authorities for funding, and erosion prevention efforts will commence as soon as allocations are made.” Former member of the Kurarbazar Union Parishad, Raju Alam, emphasized the need for effective measures to combat river erosion. “If the authorities were to throw blocks or geo bags in the river, it could help save the riverbank. Without permanent solutions to protect the Kushiara's banks, the damage could escalate significantly,” he noted.    

Bangladesh and India today (September 6, 2022) signed seven MoUs – demonstrating cooperation in a number of areas, including water sharing of the Kushiyara River. One of the MoUs was signed between the Ministry of Water Resources, Bangladesh and the Ministry of Jal Shakti, India on withdrawal of water from the common river Kushiyara. The MoU between the Ministry of Railways (Railway Board), India and the Ministry of Railways, Bangladesh was signed on training of Bangladesh Railway personnel in India. Another MoU between the two railway ministries was signed on collaboration in IT systems such as FOIS and other applications for Bangladesh Railway.              The National Judicial Academy, India and the Supreme Court of Bangladesh signed an MoU on training and capacity building programe for Bangladeshi judicial officers in India. Also read: India always helps Bangladesh in times of need, says PM Hasina An MoU on scientific and technological cooperation was signed between Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India. The two sides signed the MoU on cooperation in the area of space technology. India’s Prasar Bharti and Bangladesh Television (BTV) signed an MoU on cooperation in broadcasting.           Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi witnessed signing of the bilateral instruments after holding bilateral talks at Hyderabad House in India's capital city as the two countries seek enhanced cooperation. Issues related to security cooperation, investment, enhanced trade relations, power and energy sector cooperation, water sharing of common rivers, water resources management, border management, combating drug smuggling and human trafficking will get priority during the talks between PM Hasina and her Indian counterpart Modi, officials said. INAUGURATED, ANNOUNCED PROJECTS The two leaders unveiled unit-I of the Maitree power plant. The 1320 (660x2) MW super critical coal-fired thermal power plant in Rampal is being set up at an estimated cost of approximately USD 2 billion with USD 1.6 billion as Indian Development Assistance under Concessional Financing Scheme. They jointly inaugurated the Rupsha Bridge. The 5.13 km Rupsha rail bridge is a key part of the 64.7 km Khulna-Mongla Port single track broad gauge rail project, connecting for the first time Mongla Port with Khulna by rail, and thereafter to central and north Bangladesh and also to the India border at Petrapole and Gede in West Bengal. Supply of road construction equipment and machinery:  the project consists of supply of road maintenance and construction equipment and machinery in 25 packages to Bangladesh Road and Highways Department. Also read: PM Hasina pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat Khulna Darshana railway line link project: The project is an upgrade of existing (doubling of broad gauge) infrastructure linking the current cross border rail link at Gede-Darshana to Khulna thereby augmenting the rail connections between the two countries, especially to Dhaka, but also in future to Mongla Port. The project cost is estimated at USD 312.48 million. Parbatipur -Kaunia railway line: The conversion of the existing metre gauge line to dual gauge line project is estimated at USD 120.41 million. The project will connect to the existing cross border rail at Birol (Bangladesh)-Radhikapur (West Bengal) and will enhance bilateral rail connectivity.

After a rise over the last two days, the water level of the Surma and Kushiyara rivers started falling again in Sylhet and Sunamganj on Friday. According to the Water Development Board, the water level of Surma River has gone down by 10 cm at Kanaighat Point and 4 cm at Sylhet Point at 12pm today. However, the water level of the Kushiyara River is stable. Meanwhile, it drizzled in Sylhet on Friday as well. However, there is no possibility of water rise in these rivers due to this light rain, said AKM Niloy Pasha, deputy assistant engineer of Sylhet Water Development Board. Read: Major rivers swell again in northeastern region Besides, rains are likely over this region for three more days, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). Asif Ahmed, executive engineer of the Sylhet Water Development Board, said that there was no possibility of fresh flood due to this rain as the Flood Forecasting & Warning Centre reported. In Sunamganj, the water level of Surma River has receded by 13 cm at Sadar municipality on Friday morning. This district recorded 21 mm of rain in the last 24 hours. Road communication in four upazilas is still cut off as the floodwaters have not receded completely. In Sunamganj municipal town, Kazir Point, Bilpara, Nabinagar, West Natunpara areas, floodwaters fell slightly. Read:Over 30 lakh homeless, 40,000 houses destroyed in flood-hit Sylhet Meanwhile, the Flood Forecasting & Warning Centre of the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) said all major rivers in the north-eastern region of the country are in a falling trend, which may continue falling in the next 24 hours. However, the Brahmaputra River is in a steady-state, while the Jamuna River and Padma River are on the rising trend. These rivers may rise in the next 24-48 hours. The flood situation in Kurigram, Sylhet, Sunamganj, Netrokona, Kishoreganj and Brahmanbaria districts may improve in the next 24 hours, it added in their latest report.