Padma swallows homesteads of 10 families in Shariatpur

SHARIATPUR, Sept 24: Fresh erosion by the Padma River has swallowed the homesteads of 10 families and a half-kilometre stretch of land in East Naodoba’s Alam Khan Kandi area under Zajira Upazila, threatening some 500 households.

Over the past three days, the aggressive currents have devoured croplands, a brick-paved road, and local shops. Residents have begun frantically dismantling their homes, moving furniture, and relocating to safe ground.

Threatened infrastructure includes a government primary school, homes within the Ashrayan project, banana plantations, and a market in the Balurtek area. Displaced residents reported that 35 homes, livestock, and two shops have already been moved away from the collapsing banks.

Local residents Mainuddin, Azhar and Malek Fokir said, thirty-five homes, livestock, and two shops have already been relocated.

Locals have criticised authorities, claiming neither the local administration nor the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) has implemented protective measures near the Padma Bridge site, and are demanding permanent embankments and rehabilitation for victims.

Md Milton Hossain, Executive Engineer of the District BWDB, stated that emergency measures would be initiated once instructions are received from higher authorities.

Deputy Commissioner Tahsina Begum said precautionary relocation efforts are underway and assistance will be provided to affected families.