Barishal residents form human chain demanding permanent embankment
Photo: Agamir Somoy
Locals in Dehergati Union of Babuganj, Barishal formed a human chain to demand the construction of a permanent embankment to protect homesteads, cropland, and vital infrastructure from severe erosion by the Sugandha River.
Babuganj Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Asma Ul Husna confirmed the matter.
People observed the demonstration across an area spanning nearly two kilometers on Saturday. People from various walks of life, including men, women, teachers, students, professionals, and laborers, joined the human chain organized along the erosion-affected area stretching from Government Abul Kalam Degree College to Charsadhukathi Fazil Madrasa.
Addressing the human chain, speakers said continuous erosion by the Sugandha River over a long period has swallowed numerous homesteads, roads, cropland, and structures in Dehergati Union into the riverbed.
Several key installations face severe risks, including the academic building and dormitory of Government Abul Kalam Degree College, Jamena Khatun Secondary School, Government Primary School number 29, Dehergati Union Parishad Building, and Charsadhukathi Fazil Madrasa.
Speakers added that residents living along the riverbanks spend their days in constant fear because authorities have not taken permanent measures to prevent river erosion. Many families have already lost their homesteads and all their belongings. They warned that failure to rapidly implement river training and construct sustainable embankments will cause damage to increase further.
Local social worker Sujan Munna, serving as the convener of the Human Chain Organizing Committee, spearheaded the organization of the event.
Moderated by Mainul Islam, the event featured speeches from Barishal District (South) Jubodal Joint General Secretary Md Mainul Islam Shihab Molla, Dehergati Union BNP General Secretary Anwar Hossain Hemayet, Union Jamaat Ameer Ershad Hossain, Charsadhukathi Islamia Fazil Madrasa Principal Maulana Abdur Razzaq, teacher Hafez Mominul Islam, and members of families affected by river erosion.
Participants at the human chain demanded river training, permanent embankment construction, and overall development across the erosion-affected area of the Sugandha River extending from the Bir Sreshtho Captain Mohiuddin Jahangir Bridge (Dwarika Bridge) to the Babuganj Upazila Health Complex.
UNO Asma said officials informed the Water Development Board about the situation, and authorities will construct a sustainable embankment to prevent erosion soon.
