Human chain urges urgent riverbank protection

FENI, Jan 15: Residents of erosion-hit areas in Feni held a human chain on Thursday, demanding urgent measures to prevent further destruction along the Chhoto Feni River, which has seen severe erosion since the 2024 floods caused the collapse of the Mushaipur regulator.

The human chain was organized in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office, drawing participation from people of erosion-prone villages in Sonagazi upazila, including Char Gopalgaon, Chandla, Kuthirhat, Joldapara, Miazighat, and areas near the old Kazirhat Jame Masjid, as well as from Jagatpur Village in Daganbhuiyan Upazila.

Participants later submitted a memorandum through the district administration to the Ministry of Land.
Speakers at the event said that after the collapse of the Mushaipur regulator, tidal impacts have intensified, causing rapid erosion along the riverbank. Hundreds of homes and agricultural lands are now under threat, and many families have already lost their houses or fear losing their homesteads.
Local residents urged immediate construction of durable embankments, restoration of the Mushaipur regulator, and rehabilitation of affected families to prevent a larger humanitarian crisis.