TALTALI, BARGUNA, Apr 6: Hundreds of residents of Shikaripara in Barguna's Taltali Upazila formed a human chain on Monday morning demanding immediate measures to protect homesteads and croplands from the devastating erosion of the Andhar Manik River. The demonstration, held on the riverbank at 11am, drew men and women from all walks of life. The programme continued peacefully for about an hour.
Locals said the erosion has already put vast areas at risk, particularly a four kilometre stretch from Kazi Khal sluice gate to Newpara sluice. They warned that unless urgent steps are taken, the situation could worsen dramatically with the onset of the monsoon.
Speakers at the human chain painted a grim picture of the suffering caused by river erosion. They noted that thousands of families lose their homes every year, leaving them destitute. "When robbers loot a house, something remains; when fire destroys, the homestead survives. But erosion takes away everything-land, homes, and livelihoods vanish into the river," one speaker said.
Among those addressing the gathering were former upazila BNP Joint Convener S M Humayun Ahmed, upazila Zia Mancha president Imran Hossain Forqan, incumbent union parishad member Md Anwar Khan, former member Jasim Uddin, social worker Alauddin Molla, and journalist Hairaj Majhi.
Speakers urged Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to intervene immediately, stressing that thousands of families, croplands, and homesteads are at risk. They demanded urgent construction of sustainable embankments and effective measures to halt the erosion.
Participants cautioned that without swift action, the situation could turn catastrophic. They said unless permanent projects are taken up and implemented, countless families will lose their homes and be forced into a life of misery. The demand for a durable embankment and long term solution was echoed by all present, who warned that delay could spell disaster for the community.
