Shariatpur townies suffer for severe water-logging

SHARIATPUR, Sept 27: Residents of Shariatpur Municipality are grappling with severe water-logging and mounting garbage, triggering a surge in dengue and diarrhoea cases amid a spike in mosquito and fly infestations.

Established in 1985, the 24.75-square-kilometer first-class municipality houses roughly 70,000 people but suffers from critical infrastructure deficits. Blocked canals and inadequate drainage leave the area prone to flooding during heavy rains.

Recent downpours submerged low-lying neighbourhoods, including Tulasar, Nirala, Shantinagar, Bepari Para, Dhali Bari Road, and Rupnagar. Knee-deep water has also accumulated along key civic zones, such as Dak Bungalow Road, Palong Bazar, Harisabha, the hospital premises, Civil Surgeon’s office, District Shilpakala Academy, Deputy Commissioner’s office, and court premises.

Locals attribute the public health crisis to unmanaged waste dumped into clogged municipal canals and a lack of proper drainage systems.

“The infestation of mosquitoes and flies is driving up cases of dengue and diarrhoea, causing extreme distress to the public,” said local resident Kamal Hossain, echoing demands from neighbours for immediate clearing of garbage and standing water.

Shariatpur Municipal Administrator Md Wahid Hossain stated that efforts are underway to address the drainage failures and clear water-logging wherever reported.