River erosion: Fear of displacement grips locals in Brahmanbaria

Due to excessive rainfall and the onrush of upstream water from India, people's lands, houses and other structures are being washed away by the Howrah River  in Akhaura of Brahmanbaria.

In the last 10 days, various structures including homes of five families have been destroyed, while the homes of another 13 families are currently at risk of collapse. These affected families in Tanmandail Uttar Char of Manianda union said that the severe erosion has occurred due to excessive rainfall and water from the Indian hill slopes.

The five houses that were swallowed by the river belonged to Nurul Islam, Sujan Miya, Anwara Begum, Moshan Munshi, and Habib Miya of Uttar Char. 

Nurul Islam, Sujan Miya, and Anwara Begum, said that they have already lost their homes and have been displaced by the severe erosion of the Howrah River. Now, they warned, 13 other houses currently at risk will most likely also be devoured by the river if measures are not put in place immediately to control the erosion. 

Directed by Brahmanbaria 4 (Kasba-Akhaura) MP Advocate Anisul Huq, Akhaura Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Tahmina Akter Raina, Akhaura Municipality Mayor Takjil Khalifa Kajal, Upazila Disaster Management Officer Tapash Chakraborty, and other local representatives have visited the area.

Subsequently, a team led by Brahmanbaria Water Development Board Official Md Mohiuddin visited the site and took pictures and videos of the real scenario. He also assured the victims that they are working to prevent further erosion.

Akhaura Municipality Mayor Takjil Khalifa Kajal said the law minister had instructed the administration and water development board to take necessary action immediately.

In this regard, Akhaura UNO Tahmina Akhter Raina said a list of the displaced families has been sent to the deputy commissioner's office. She expressed hope that the victims would get government assistance within two days.