United News of Bangladesh

People along the banks of the Choto Feni River in three upazilas are living in constant fear as severe erosion devours land and swallows key regulators at Muchapur and Kazirhat. The erosion has struck Companiganj, Daganbhuiyan and Sonagazi upazilas, claiming crop fields, fruit orchards, roads and hundreds of homesteads. Locals estimate that some 41,000 hectares of farmland have already disappeared, while a further 30,000 hectares remain under threat. Homes, markets, religious institutions and major roads are also teetering on the brink. On September 15, more than a hundred residents from Badarpur village in Chormojlishpur union, Sonagazi, formed a human chain in front of the Feni Water Development Board office. They demanded urgent measures to save their homes, mosques and surrounding land from further erosion. Villagers said that although a contractor has been stationed in the area for over a month under a large-scale project, no meaningful protection work has begun — not even the placement of geo bags. They claim the contractor has blamed the Board and stalled progress with repeated excuses. Dug-up road turns into knee-deep canal; Kaliganj villagers have to use rafts Meanwhile, several roads have collapsed, cracks have appeared in houses and the situation is deteriorating fast. Residents warn that unless prompt action is taken, entire villages could soon disappear. Among the worst-hit locations in Sonagazi Upazila are North Char Darbesh, North West Char Darbesh, Char Sahavikhari, Char Injiman, Taltoli, Tellargat, Fakirapul and Italy Market in Char Darbesh Union. Badarpur and Miajir’s Ghat in Char Majlishpur Union have also been badly affected. In Bogdana Union, erosion has damaged Jelepara, Kuthirhat, Katakhila, Kalimandir, Aurarkhil, Adarshgram, Kazirhat Sluice Gate, Alampur, Dhanipara and Saheber Ghat. In Daganbhuiyan Upazila, Bhashashahid Salam Nagar village has been hit, while in Noakhali’s Companiganj Upazila, Muchapur village, Macchaghona, East Char Hazari and East Char Parbati in Char Parbati Union have suffered significant loss. Hundreds of cement and semi-cement houses have already been washed away. Villagers report that sections of their homes, trees and gardens have vanished overnight. Many are dismantling what remains and moving to temporary shelters. Some have tried to shore up the banks with bamboo and trees, but these makeshift barriers are proving futile. Dangerous Crossing: Kurigram villagers plead for permanent bridge The threat is particularly severe in north-west Char Darbesh, Kazirhat, Aurarkhil, Daspara, Katakhila and Kuthirhat, where the river is advancing relentlessly day and night. Monowara, a resident of Badarpur village in Majlishpur union, spoke of her grief, “The river has taken away our home.” Md Sentu Mia, also from Badarpur, said displaced families are staying with relatives. “They are going through immense hardship,” he explained. He added that although villagers have made attempts to stem the erosion, the contractor delayed starting work by two months. “Hundreds of people have become homeless in just two months due to heavy monsoon rains and high tides. Their homes are disappearing before our very eyes. We are helpless, and no one seems to be paying attention,” he said. Kamal Uddin from Char Gopalgaon described how the Chhoto Feni River runs along the western side of his village. Since recent floods, he said, the current has grown unusually strong, cutting into the banks for two to three kilometres. “Ten years ago, my house was swept away. Now I live on someone else’s land. Half of this village has already gone. Many more homes will disappear within weeks if urgent action is not taken,” he said. Meghnath Chandra Das, also from the area, said locals are trying to protect their homes with sandbags, bamboo and trees, “but it is not holding up at all.” Md Akter Hossain Majumder, executive engineer of the Bangladesh Water Development Board’s Feni office, confirmed that the Chhoto Feni, Feni and Kalidas Pahalia rivers are causing erosion across the three upazilas. He said 13 kilometres of riverbank are currently at risk. Billion-dollar Teesta mega project: A recipe for catastrophe He pointed to a major initiative, the ‘Be Strong’ project, recently approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC). Funded by the World Bank, the Tk171-crore scheme aims to reinforce vulnerable banks along the three rivers and is due to begin soon. Majumder added that in the 2024–25 financial year, repair work worth Tk17.75 crore has been completed at 116 locations. The Muchapur regulator, destroyed in last year’s flood, will also be rebuilt under a government initiative. Villagers remain hopeful that these measures, if implemented without delay, will spare them further loss and restore a measure of security.

With the monsoon setting in, riverbank erosion has started threatening the Daulatdia ferry terminal in Rajbari, particularly Ferry Ghat No-7, which now faces serious risk. The swirling currents caused by ferries docking and departing are accelerating erosion, endangering nearby homes and infrastructure. During a visit to the area on Tuesday morning, it was found that water levels in the Padma River were rising, worsening the erosion that has already damaged the stretch from Pontoon No-7 to Pontoon No-6. Waterlogging: Two days of torrential rain cripples life in Narayanganj Shahadat Member Para and Chattar Member Para, located downstream from the terminal, are now under threat.  Locals expressed growing concerns and frustration. Barak Mridha, a grocer from the Ghat No-6 area, said he has lost everything to erosion three times in the past 15 years.  Tk 827cr Chandpur embankment project gains pace, but Meghna’s fury keeps residents on edge “The riverbank was once a kilometer away. Now it’s at my doorstep,” he said, blaming the authorities for their inaction during the dry season. Selim Khan, a banker from Chattar Member Para, said more than half of Daulatdia union has been claimed by the river over the past 15 years. “We’ve been pleading for 1river protection measures every year, but nothing effective has been done,” he said. Locals pointed out that both the ferry terminals and the launch terminal are at risk. Nurul Anwar Milon, manager of the launch terminal owners' association, said monsoon erosion submerges homes and structures annually. He stressed the need for preventive action before the situation worsens. Nasir Mohammad Chowdhury, Deputy General Manager of BIWTC's Aricha region, said all ferry terminals at Daulatdia face erosion risk, with Ghat No-7 being the most vulnerable. He said the issue was discussed at a recent coordination meeting at the Rajbari Deputy Commissioner’s office and that letters have been sent to both BIWTA and the Water Development Board (WDB) seeking urgent action. Nepal Chandra Debnath, Executive Engineer of BIWTA’s Aricha region, said preparations are in place to respond to major erosion events.  Authorities have been informed in advance to initiate necessary protective measures, he said.  

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.      

Manikganj's Shibalaya upazila is witnessing rampant illegal sand extraction using dredgers on the Alokdia Char of the Jamuna River, severely affecting homes, farmland, and public infrastructure. Four dredgers and two shallow machines are reportedly extracting sand, causing extensive riverbank erosion that has already displaced several families. Villagers claim the erosion has engulfed farmland, homes, and even a mosque, with two primary schools and the Mujib Fort, a government structure built at a cost of Tk 3 crore, at risk. Residents have filed written complaints to the district administration and the Ministry of Shipping, demanding an immediate halt to the illegal activities. During a visit to the area, six sand-extraction machines and multiple bulkheads were found operating about three kilometers away from the government-leased sand field in South Teota. These machines extract sand near the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh's (PGCB) electricity poles, endangering critical infrastructure and exacerbating river erosion. Bean cultivation transforms farmers' fortunes as it gains momentum in Lalmonirhat

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.    

Over 500 farmers of several villages in Rupsa upazila under Khulna district are living amid fear of losing their cropland as no initiative has been taken in the last three years to construct the broken Shreerampur embankment to protect their land. Farmers said there is around 525 hectares of croplands in Shreerampur char and over 500 farmers cultivate vegetables, rice and fruits on the fertile land three times a year. Read: Teesta riverbank erosion in Lalmonirhat: Fear of losing homes grips locals But three years ago about 1.5 km of the embankment from Shreerampur Palpara to Idris Jamaddar’s brick kiln collapsed due to erosion by the Rupsha River, leaving the cropland under threat. Local MP Abdus Salam Murshedi took an initiative to solve the problem but no visible progress was made in the construction of embankment due to some complexities that created resentment among the local people. Read: River erosion washes away road in Sunamganj;  thousands  suffer AHM Kamal, a farmer of the upazila who has land in Sreerampur char, said “We have been cultivating this land for generations. After meeting the region’s demand the rest of the crops are exported. We are in a great anxiety because of the river erosion which started three years ago. We are always afraid that the river water would enter the cropland and damage our crops. So I urge Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and local MP Abdus Salam Murshedi to save the farmers of the area by constructing an embankment as soon as possible.” Read: Rising river waters trigger flooding, erosion concerns in Kurigram Md Jahangir Hosen Mukul, a member of Khulna district Awami League, said, “ this dam has a great significance in the life of the farmers of this area. If the embankment collapses due to erosion, thousands of people will be affected .Croplands will be destroyed and there will be shortage of food. So I think it is very important to construct this embankment.

A mass grave where eight freedom fighters were buried in 1971 at Hajrahati village in Magura’s Shalikha upazila is currently under threat of erosion by the Chitra river. On December 7, 1971, eight freedom fighters who had returned home after receiving training in India were apprehended by Razakars, who collaborated with the Pakistani occupation forces during the War of Liberation in 1971 and killed mercilessly on the bank of the Chitra river. Later, locals buried the bodies of the freedom fighters at the place of their murder. The eight freedom fighters were Jodunath Guha, Panchanan Pal, Haripad Das, Nityandon Vadra, Monoranjan Dutta, Narugopal Ray, Suresh Kar and an unidentified man. After entering Bangladesh crossing the Indian border in Kaliganj upazila of Jhenidah district, these freedom fighters fought bravely against the Pakistani military. They were caught and killed during the final stage of the Liberation War while. “I still search for my brother Jodunath on the bank of the Chitra river. I go to the mass grave with his picture and cry out for my brother,” said Chobi Rani Adhikari, sister of one of the slain freedom fighters. Chobi added that although it has been 51 years since the country became independent, the mass grave beside the Chitra river hasn’t been maintained properly. Also Read: Independent candidate lands in jail ahead of Magura Zilla Parishad polls “During monsoon, water from the river enters the grave. The grave will be washed away by the river someday if  no measures are taken,” Chobi added. Ratan Kumar Das, a local who was 13 during the Liberation War,  said some seven to eight freedom fighters were going to Faridpur via Hajrahati during the final days of the war when they were apprehended and killed by Razakars of the area. “Although we’ve requested the upazila administration time and again, no step has been taken by them to preserve the mass grave. Some officials of the administration have visited the grave multiple times and that’s all,” Ratan said. SM Abdur Rahman, Joint Convener of Muktijoddha Sangsad’s district unit and a Deputy Commander during the Liberation War, said that family members of the slain freedom fighters gather at the grave every year and arrange events to commemorate their sacrifice. “Bangladesh has been liberated through the sacrifice of the freedom fighters. It’s our duty to respect them. That’s why immediate steps are necessary to protect Hajrahati Mass Grave from ruin,” said Rahman.    

Ferry operation from No  5 ferry terminal in Daulatdia has been suspended as it witnessed severe  erosion by the Padma River in Goalanda upazila of Rajbari district. The Bangladesh Inland and Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) aurhorities suspended the ferry operation from the terminal as its 50 meters area went into the gorge of the mighty river on Tuesday. Already, the authorities concerned have thrown GO bags in the area.  Besides, three other ferry terminals in the upazila have been facing erosion threat. Read: Teesta erosion: Over 100 families left homeless in Kurigram, Gaibandha

More than 250 houses have been washed away by the Teesta River in Ulipur  upazila of Kurigram in the last three days. Erosion has started along the 2 kilometre-long bank of the Teesta since last a month in West Kalpani Bajra, Kalpani Bajra and Satalskar villages of Bajra Union of the upazila. Due to the sudden intensity of erosion, the Teesta has also devoured 500 bighas of cropland, a community clinic, educational institutions, markets, mosques, temples, Eidgah grounds in the union. Maulvi Refakat Hossain, superintendent of Bajra Paschim Para Dakhil Madrasa, said half of the madrasa has been devoured by Teesta since Wednesday. “The remaining part will also be washed away soon.” The villagers requested the Water Development Board to take immediate preventive measures. Read: Teesta erosion: Over 100 families left homeless in Kurigram, Gaibandha Ulipur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Bipul Kumar said the union chairman and members were asked to list those affected by the erosion at the earliest.  “Assistance will be provided once the list is received.” “We also updated the erosion issues with the Water Development Board. They said that they are not able to do anything due to lack of budget.” Meanwhile, Executive Engineer of Kurigram Water Development Board Abdullah Al Mamun said erosion has suddenly started here due to river management measures at the upstream of the villages. “We have reported the matter to the higher authorities. Action will be taken soon.”

International Farakka Committee on Saturday demanded the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan to protect three crore people living in its basin in Bangladesh from heavy flood and river banks erosion. Atiqur Rahman Salu, chairman of IFC, voiced the demand in an opinion exchange meeting at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club. The IFC chairman said this while the promise for signing a treaty on the Teesta is lingering on for 12 years, in the dry season flow of the river is being diverted unilaterally from the Gazal Doba Barrage in West Bengal, India for more than two decades. No change to this unfortunate plight of the Teesta is in sight, he said adding, “We therefore believe that the government of Bangladesh should urgently take sustainable measures to minimize the adverse effects of drought-flood vagaries to the people of Teesta Basin in Bangladesh’. Dr. S.I. Khan, senior vice-president, IFC Bangladesh, Mostafa Kamal Majumder, coordinator and Ataur Rahman Ata, joint secretary of IFC and Rafiqul Islam Azad, former president of Dhaka Reporters’ Unity were present at the opinion exchange and answered questions of journalists. Atiqur Rahman Salu said no treaty has been signed on the Teesta although the two countries were supposed to do so in 2011. The Irony is that even in this rainy season Nilphamari, Kurigram and Gaibandha districts have experienced several waves of flood and riverbank erosion. Read: FM Momen rues long delay in Teesta deal with India He said devastating floods in the rainy season and dry rivers and drought in the dry season have brought environmental disasters to Bangladesh. “Our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to go on a visit to India soon. It is our belief that she would discuss with the Indian Prime Minister in clear terms the plight of world’s largest delta Bangladesh that has originated from the common rivers,” he said. He also said this is urgent because being cut off from the common rivers the lush green environment of the country is getting destroyed day by day, damaging agriculture, breeding and feeding grounds of indigenous fish, and industry. People are losing livelihoods and becoming displaced. The IFC chairman noted that China has come up with an idea to implement a Teesta management and restoration master plan with nearly $1 billion in loan (about 10,000 crore Taka). The Power Construction Corporation or Power China wants to implement the master plan. Work on this project was supposed to begin in 2021, but has not started yet. He said, “ If water was available there was no need of alternative thinking. Given the present uncertain situation it’s not wise to sit idle. When the urge to restore the flow of the river from upstream will come under the dictates of nature the Bangladesh part of the Teesta will get a new lease of life.” IFC recommended that the Teesta Master plan can be expanded to cover Karatoa, Punarbhaba, and Atrai in the old Teesta basin. This will ensure overall development of the Northwestern part of Bangladesh. This master plan is no substitute for basin-based integrated management of the river to keep it alive, he said adding that it can help improve the lot of the people of the Teesta basin by protecting them from the annual floods and bank erosions.