The embankment adjacent to Jamuna River in Kazipur upazila of Sirajganj was damaged. A 65-metres are of the embankment collapsed from Friday night to Saturday.
Sub-Assistant Engineer of Sirajganj Water Development Board Hafizur Rahman confirmed the matter.
After receiving the news at night, Members of the Kazipur Army Camp started placing sand-filled geobags to prevent further collapse. This incident caused panic among the residents along the riverbank, especially as it happened during the dry season.
Abdul Khalek and Jamil, residents of New Meghai village, said the way the embankment is collapsing, our houses may also be destroyed. If our house is washed away again, I’ll have no choice but to live under the open sky. We’ve already faced river erosion three times before, losing both land and home, and now we work as day laborers to survive.
Local residents Hasina, Majed, and Asatun said, we sought shelter here after repeatedly suffering from river erosion. We've lost all our land. If we lose even the roof over our heads, we’ll have no choice but to beg from door to door.
The residents alleged that illegal sand extraction from the Jamuna River and the piling of sand at multiple locations along the riverbank for years have led to this continuous erosion. They demanded an immediate halt to illegal sand extraction and urgent measures to prevent erosion.
It was learnt that, Senior Warrant Officer Md Shariful Islam, acting camp commander of Kazipur Army Camp, local civilians, alongside the army, placed sand-filled geobags to contain the erosion on Saturday.
Sub-Assistant Engineer Hafizur Rahman of the Sirajganj Water Development Board said, we arrived at the site as soon as we got the news. With the help of army personnel, about 650 sand-filled geobags were placed on Saturday to curb the erosion.
He further explained that a large char has emerged about 200 meters inside the river from the embankment, causing the river current to hit the bank directly, leading to the erosion. However, there is no need to panic, as the situation is largely under control.
Acting Upazila Executive Officer of Kazipur Upazila, Sabrin Akhtar, said, after hearing about the embankment collapse, I visited the area. Sand-filled geobags are being placed to prevent further erosion, and the situation is currently under control. There is no reason for residents to be alarmed. Further necessary steps will be taken to prevent erosion.
