Unchecked sand mining from the Chela River has resulted in devastating riverbank erosion, posting a grave threat to agricultural lands, educational institutions, markets and forcing many people to shift to other places.   The erosion has already devoured two villages and five more villages in Doarabazar upazila are facing threat. Local people have demanded the authorities’ immediate intervention to halt sand extraction from the river, which flows through Narsingpur union.   Visiting the erosion-hit areas, UNB the correspondent found that 30 families in Sarpinpara village on the northern bank of the Chela River have turned homeless. Farmers in Kishoreganj busy preparing seedbeds for Boro cultivation The victims included families of Azad Mia, Sanur Ali and Monir Hossain whose homes were washed away.   Besides, the river eroded 20 homesteads, a school and a customs office in Purbachairgaon village over the past one year as sand lifting from the river continued. It also devoured 50 homesteads and rural roads in Sonapur, Daulatpur, Rahimerpara and Sarpinpara villages.   Shahjahan, a resident of Purbachairgaon village, said he lost two acres of land and his home to the river in the past two years. Now, he and his family live in a loft on a land. “If sand mining isn’t stopped, no village along the Chela River will survive,” he said.   Azad Mia of Sarpinpara described how sand mining has left families destitute. “We’ve moved our home five times, but all our land is gone. The Chela River is swallowing us whole,” he lamented.   Azad Mia alleged that some unscrupulous people in collusion with local authorities are illegally extracting sand.  Union Parishad member Faiz Uddin of Rahimerpara village accused local influential people of profiting from sand mining at the cost of local lives and livelihoods.   "Even after 52 years of independence, the plight of the riverbank people has been ignored," said Faiz Uddin. He called for an immediate halt to sand mining leases and measures to protect the vulnerable areas.   ‘Bou-Jamai Mela’ celebrates rural tradition in Lalmonirhat Contacted, members of Sylhet Battalion 48 BGB denied allegations of their involvement, claiming that sand miners often evade their watch.   Narsingpur UP Chairman Nur Uddin Ahmed said that the number of people on the riverbanks who have lost their homes is increasing day by day. He warned that continued erosion could erase entire villages from the map.   Sunamganj Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ilias Mia said, "I have just heard that homes are being destroyed due to sand mining from the Chela River. Necessary measures will be taken to protect the area along the riverbanks."

Despite clear instructions from higher authorities, concerns are growing over the increasing number of crop protection dam projects in the haor (wetland) areas of Sunamganj district. Crop protection dams are built to protect crops from early floods and landslides. Haors are wetland ecosystems found in the north-eastern part of Bangladesh. Sunamganj district is famous for its numerous haors. Recently, the Adviser to the Ministry of Environment and Climate, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, and the Chairman of the district committee for crop protection dams, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Mohammad Ilias Mia, visited the region and instructed local officials to avoid taking up unnecessary projects. However, it appears that these directives are not being followed, with the number of approved projects continuing to rise. Jashore florists expect Tk 100 crore flower sales despite weather setbacks According to local government records, the number of approved crop protection dam projects in the haor region had ballooned to 675 by December 12, 2024, even though the initial plan was for 600 projects. It is likely the number may increase even further, potentially reaching 700 projects. This surge in projects comes despite previous statements by the authorities that only essential projects would be undertaken this year. The Water Development Board has also sought an initial allocation of Tk 125 crore from the government for the renovation and repair of 534 kilometers of crop protection embankments across 53 haors in the current season. The funds will be used to repair and renovate existing dams, as well as to address major breaches in the haor. The construction was set to begin on December 15 and is expected to be completed by December 28. Local residents and environmental groups have expressed concerns that many of these projects are unnecessary and could harm the natural balance of the haor ecosystem. Bitter cold grips Meherpur: Over 1,200 hospitalized, lack of warm clothing intensifies crisis In particular, the Haor Bachao Andolan (Save the Haors Movement) has protested against the ongoing increase in projects. The Haor Bachao Andolan held press conferences, rallies, and submitted memorandums, claiming that many of the dams are excessive and wasteful. One of the key allegations is that funds are being misused by approving projects for existing dams that are either intact or only slightly damaged, but are allocated as new, full-scale projects. It is also claimed that local political leaders and activists are using these projects as a way to access government funds, with some involved in bribery and corruption. Despite these allegations, the Sunamganj Water Development Board insists that it is taking extra care this time to ensure the proper implementation of the projects. Executive Engineer Mamun Hawlader said that there are strict instructions to avoid irregularities, and that the board is closely monitoring the process. However, local leaders remain skeptical. Senior members of the Haor Bachao Movement, including Jasim Uddin, have warned that the system remains vulnerable to manipulation. Key sections of Dhaka-Chattogram Highway in dire need of renovation Jasim accused some officials of using various tactics to approve unnecessary projects and divert funds. He also claimed that projects are being approved secretly, without transparency, which could lead to further corruption. Talking to UNB, Advocate Shishir Monir, a Supreme Court lawyer, called for greater public oversight of the project approval process. He suggested that the project list should be made public, and farmers should have a say in the decisions about the dams, through public hearings or social media platforms. He argued that this would prevent unnecessary projects and ensure that government funds are used effectively, without harming the environment. Deputy Commissioner Dr. Mohammad Ilias Mia said that the government is committed to reducing corruption in the implementation of the crop protection dam projects. He said that monitoring committees have been formed across the district, and these committees will submit reports to ensure transparency and accountability. The controversy surrounding the crop protection dam projects highlights the ongoing tension between development needs, environmental concerns, and the proper use of government funds. While the authorities maintain that measures are in place to avoid mismanagement, local communities and environmentalists are adamant about the need to remain vigilant, demanding greater transparency and adherence to environmental guidelines. There are 95 haors in Sunamganj district, spread across 10 of its 11 upazilas.

Tourism businesses in Sunamganj are bouncing back gradually after suffering significant losses for over two months due to three rounds of flood and political instability. Restrictions in several tourist areas of the Chittagong Hill Tracts redirected tourists to Sunamganj’s famed Haor region, including Tanguar Haor and the Tahirpur border areas, providing a much-needed boost to local businesses. Houseboat owners said they suffered losses amounting to around Tk 50 crore during this period. Tour operators said they are now facing overwhelming demand, with all houseboats fully booked in advance. Travel ban hits tourism businesses in CHT hard Popular tourist destinations like Tanguar Haor, Shaheed Siraj Lake (Niladri), Shimul Garden, and the Jadukata River are now filled with visitors. Aziz Sarkar, a banker from Rajshahi, expressed his amazement after exploring the region for the first time. “The Tanguar Haor has amazed us greatly. We are overjoyed. We have never seen such large haor before. The diversity of the haor, especially the settlements on its shores, and how they survive and live, has left a mark on our minds,” said Aziz, who came with a group of 36 people, most of whom are bank employees. Tourist Mahbuba Rahman Sathi, a tourist from Dhaka, said, “We had been planning to visit Tanguar Haor for a long time. The weather is good now, so we came. Our group consists of 12 family members. Sylhet is always beautiful, but the haor is even more beautiful. We’ve been touring in a houseboat since morning. It feels great.” However, the region’s poor road infrastructures are challenge for visitors, said some tourists. Moulvibazar Travel Guide: Explore the Top Tourist Attractions “The road from Sunamganj to Tahirpur is in bad shape. Women and children, in particular, had a hard time getting here. These things stand as obstacles to the development of tourist areas,” said Manjurul Islam Soumik from Feni. He also raised concerns about the lack of visible tourist police and disconnected phone numbers listed on safety sign boards. Responding to these complaints, Habibur Rahman, Officer-in-Charge of the Tourist Police in Sunamganj, explained that his mobile phone had been out of service due to damage but is now operational. “We have 8 members. The tourist police are working round the clock to ensure the safety of tourists,” he said. Arian Emon, CEO of Haimanti Houseboat, said, “We have incurred losses of around Tk 50 crore in the past two months. Currently, due to the restrictions in Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachhari tourists are coming to the Haor. All our boats are fully booked. Many are still trying to book. There’s now a festive atmosphere in the Haor,” he said. Trip to Tanguar Haor, Sunamganj: Majestic aquatic beauty soaking the horizon

The flood situation in some low-lying areas of Netrakona district and Sylhet, Sunamganj districts in the northeastern part of the country may remain unchanged in 24 hours commencing 9 am on Thursday (June 20, 2024). The flood situation in Moulvibazar and Habiganj districts along the low-lying areas of Manu-Khwai river may improve, according to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC). Except Surma, major rivers in the North-eastern region of the country are in rising trendwhich may continue in the next 24 hours. Flood leaves over 8 lakh people inundated in Sylhet The Brahmaputra and Jamuna rivers are in rising trend and may continuously rise for the next72 hours with a chance of reaching the Warning Level at some points. Besides, the Padma river is in rising trend, which may continue in next 48 hours, it said.The water level of Dudhkumar, Teesta and Dharla rivers in the northern part of the country may rise and flashflood may hit some low-lying areas of Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Rangpur districts. River Teesta may cross danger level at Dalia Point in next 24 hours for a short period of time. According to the information from meteorological organizations, medium to heavy rainfall is expected over the northern and adjoining upstream region and heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected over the north-eastern, northern and adjoining upstream parts of the country in 24 to 48 hours, it added. Flood situation worsens in Sunamganj; several thousand marooned

The only road and bridge connecting Baliaghat Notun Bazar to Tahirpur Sadar and Boro Badaghat Bazar in Tahirpur Upazila of Sunamganj have become entirely impassable due to lack of repair. Residents of 20 villages in the upazila are compelled to risk their lives crossing the dilapidated road and bridge that remained unrepaired since the last year’s flood. The bridge situated in front of Khalshajuri Primary School along the road connecting Baliaghat New Market to Kaukandi Bazar and Badaghat Bazar has completely collapsed. EC asks to withdraw Mymensingh DC, Sunamganj DC to be transferred The lack of renovation of the road and bridge has forced local residents, including school and madrasa students, to cross the broken bridge, putting them at constant risk of accidents, said local people. Motorcycle and autorickshaw drivers carrying passengers are particularly vulnerable to accidents on the damaged bridge. Locals said during the last flood, the waves of Haor waterflow caused extensive damage to both sides of the road. Residents of the area have voiced their frustration over the prolonged inaction regarding the repair of the bridge and road. They have collectively demanded that the government take immediate action to rebuild the broken bridge and road to make those suitable for use. Cops, journalists among 10 injured during BNP-police clash in Sunamganj Local resident Nurul Amin said that the bridge and road sustained significant damage during the last flood, but no repairs have been undertaken since then. "Last year, some soil was provided under the Haor Protection Dam construction. However, when the monsoon rains brought in floods, the bridge and  the road collapsed. Subsequently, locals resorted to using bamboo sticks to makeshift repairs, allowing for some form of movement,” he said. Despite these efforts, autorickshaw and motorcycle drivers carrying passengers frequently encounter accidents on this unstable bridge. Some students expressed their dismay over the poor condition of the road and bridge. Motorcyclist Gafur Mia expressed his frustration saying, "We depend on motorcycles for our livelihood. We don't want to ride on broken roads. But we are forced to drive. Accidents occur here every few days while driving on broken the road and the bridge." Another resident Abul Kalam said, "Even though the road and bridge were badly damaged in the last flood, the local union parishad or LGED have not taken any steps so far." BGMEA delegation visits LafargeHolcim's Geocycle Project in Sunamganj Safiqul Islam, a ward member, said, "The road and the bridge were destroyed by the waves of Matian Haor during the monsoon. Now these totally unfit for movement. " Sripur (North) Union Parish Chairman Ali Haider said, "This road and the bridge have been included to Haor Protection Dam construction work. The work will start in coming Chaitra month.”

At least 10 people including policemen and journalists were injured in a clash between BNP activists and law enforcers during picketing amid the 48-hour hartal being observed by the party and like-minded opposition parties. Locals said that BNP activists brought out a procession in favour of the hartal in Puratan Bus Stand area around 11 am and vandalised some vehicles, causing panic on the streets. Also read: 11 arson attacks reported in 15 hours: Fire Service A clash broke out when police barred the BNP men from marching forward, they said. At one stage of the altercation, the picketers hurled brickbats targeting the law enforcers who retaliated with tear gas shells, they said. Rajan Kumar Das, additional superintendent of district police, said they used tear shells and opened blank fire to control the situation. Also read: Jamaat’s registration to remain cancelled: SC dismisses party’s appeal Ten people, including three policemen, were injured in the clash, he said, adding that the situation is now under their control. Local BNP leaders could not be reached over the phone for comments in this connection. Also read: RAB arrests 4, including Sramik Dal leader, from Dhaka's Jatrabari in sabotage case

Four people were killed and 20 others injured in a clash between two groups of villagers over a trifling matter at Hasnabaz village in Shantiganj upazila of Sunamganj district on Monday. The deceased were identified as Babul Mia, 58, son of Sufi Mia,  Nurul Islam, 42, Nurul Haque, 32 and Md Shahjahan, 36, son of Abdul Basit of the village. Khaled Chowdhury, officer-in-charge of Shantiganj Police Station, said a man from Hasnabaz village donated a jackfruit to a local mosque. Later, Dwin Islam and his supporters locked into an altercation with Sunu Mia and Junab Ali over an attempt to sell the jackfruit. Read: 3 killed in clash over land dispute in Rajshahi They attacked each other with sharp weapons, leaving two dead on the spot and 21 others injured. Of the injured Shahjahan died on the way to hospital. Read: 15 injured during BCL-Jubo League clash in Barishal Later, another injured victim Nurul succumbed to his injuries at Sadar Hospital in the afternoon, said Rafiqul Islam, resident medical officer of the hospital. On information, police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. Police also arrested three people from the spot. Read more: At least 10 injured in clash between two groups in Kushtia

North-Eastern and adjoining upstream region of the country may experience short-term flood due to heavy rainfall in 48 hours since Sunday (July 02, 2023) morning, said a bulletin of Flood Forecasting and Warning Center of the Bangladesh Water Development Board. Some rivers of this region including Surma, Old Surma, Sarigowain, Khowai, Jadukata, Someswari, Bhogai-Kangsha may rise rapidly and cause short-term flood in the adjoining low-lying areas as there is a chance of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the region during the period, it said. The Brahmaputra-Jamuna and the Padma rivers are in steady state, while the Ganges River is in rising trend, which may continue in next 48 hours. Read: Flood crisis grips Kurigram:  thousands trapped, shortage of food-water intensifies All the major rivers in the North-Eastern region of the country are in rising trend. Due to the chance of heavy rainfall in the adjoining upstream, the Teesta, the Dharala and the Dudhkumar rivers in the Northern region may rise rapidly at times in the next 48 hours. Teesta river may cross danger level at Dalia point in the next 24 hours, said FFWC. Read: Flash flood inundates Haor areas in Kishoreganj, ferry services suspended Last year, the residents of Sylhet district experienced a devastating flood as 70 percent of the district went under floodwater while 10,000 dwelling houses were damaged, causing immense sufferings to thousands of people. Read more: Onrush of upstream water, rain trigger flood in Kurigram

A short-term flood may hit the low-lying areas of Sylhet and Sunamganj districts as major rivers in the region may swell further due to heavy rainfall  in the North-Eastern region and adjoining upstream, said Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre on Monday. The Brahmaputra-Jamuna and The Ganges-Padma rivers are maintaining a trend of rising water level at different places, which may continue in next 72 hours, it said. Due to heavy rainfall in the North-Eastern region and adjoining upstream, all major rivers of this region are rising rapidly. Also Read: River erosion washes away road in Sunamganj;  thousands  suffer “According to the weather forecasting agency, there is a possibility of heavy to very-heavy rainfall in the North-Eastern region and adjoining upstream region of the country in the next 24 hours. Due to heavy rainfall forecast in the Teesta, Dharla and Dudhkumar basin and adjoining upstream region in the next 24 hours, these rivers may swell rapidly at times,” said the morning bulletin of FFWC. As a result, the major rivers of this region including Surma, Kushiyara, Sarigowain, Jhalukhali, Bhugai-Kangsha, Someswari and Jadukata may rise rapidly. The Teesta River at Dalia point may cross respective danger level in next 24 hours, it predicts. Incessant rains trigger fear of flood in Sylhet Meanwhile flood situation in bordering Assam state of India worsened on Sunday as incessant rains inundated new areas in the state, reports Indian media. UNB Sunamganj correspondent reports:  The Surma River was flowing 54 cm above its danger level at Chhatak point while it was flowing 75 cm below the red level at Shologhor point in Sunamganj district  Monday noon. According to the Sunamganj Water Development Board , the water level of all major river in the district are in rising trend due to heavy showers in Cherapunji of India. Cyclone Sitrang: Two villages flooded in Bagerhat as dam collapses The Shaktierkhola main road in Bishambharpur upazila was submerged due to flood. Executive Engineer of Sunamganj Water Development Board  Md Mamun Hawladar  said the Surma River was flowing 75 cm below the danger mark in Sunamganj in the past 24 hours and  the Indian authorities recorded 26mm of rainfall in Cherapunji in the past 24 hours. Cyclone Sitrang: Flood protection embankment is at risk in Bagerhat Deputy Commissioner Didar Alam Mohammad Maksud Chwodhury said  the shelter centers have keep prepared to tackle the flood.

Gobindganj-Dasghar road in Sunamganj’s Chatak upazila has gone into the gorge of the Boterkhola River due to severe erosion, leading to the complete halt of vehicular movement on the road. A portion of the 500 feet concrete road collapsed into the river in the Singua area of Gobindganj Saider Gao Union last week. Read: Chandpur town protection embankment faces erosion threat again The road served as the lone means of movement of the residents in 50 villages of the upazila, and it has caused immense sufferings to them. The affected villages include Krinchnagar, Harinagar, Shyamnagar, Govindanagar, Nakhrakali, Malikandi, Dasghar, Lakshipur, Bindpur, Barachal, Khalagao, Bhugli, Banarshi, Bagin, Dakshin Para, Uttara Para, Chhaila, Shiran, Alampur, Banglabazar, Digalbak, Nowapara, Srinagar, Kahalla, Auli and others. Read more: Barguna’s Betagi town protection embankment threatened by river erosion amid ‘authorities’ apathy’