Local residents of sadar upazila in Noakhali held a protest on Saturday, calling for the removal of illegal structures and the restoration of natural water flow to stop ongoing waterlogging.
The demonstration took place at Doctor Bazar and was organized by former BNP union leader Akhtar Hossain. It included leaders from BNP’s affiliate organizations, such as Sadar Upazila Krishok Dal President Harun Or Rashid, along with more than 200 affected farmers and residents.
Protesters blamed the severe waterlogging on decades of unauthorized canal occupation, makeshift dams, and poorly planned culverts. They highlighted areas like the Sonapur, Mannan Nagar, and Char Jabbar canal, as well as branches of canals around Doctor Bazar, Mannan Nagar, Khalil Mia's Darja, Kalitara Bazar, and Saheber Hat.
“These canals have been narrowed or blocked by illegal houses, shops, and embankments. This completely obstructs natural drainage and causes repeated flooding in our union,” said one protester.
Farmers expressed their frustration as large areas of vegetable fields, Aus paddy, and Aman seedbeds remain underwater, leading to increasing losses. Many worry about long-term effects on food production and their livelihoods if action isn’t taken soon.
After the human chain and protest, demonstrators—including BNP activists and local farmers—started clearing blocked sections of nearby canals to restore some flow.
Locals are asking authorities to take immediate action to demolish illegal structures, enforce canal protection laws, and implement effective drainage solutions to prevent future flooding.
MR/HKJ
