SM Aminul Islam, Kazipur (Sirajganj)

Continuous swelling of water in the Jamuna River caused by upstream surges has sparked severe river erosion across char areas in Kazipur upazila, leaving local residents deeply distressed.

Although water levels at the local Meghai point of the Jamuna River remain below the danger mark—flowing at 108 centimeters under the danger level on Tuesday (July 21)—intense river currents have triggered massive erosion in Nishchintpur and Chargirish unions. Over 200 homesteads, hundreds of bighas of agricultural land, and paved roads have already been swallowed by the river. Vital community structures, including a newly constructed multi-million taka three-story school building, are currently under severe threat.

Field reports indicate that water levels have been rising steadily since the beginning of Ashad. The violent currents have placed the brick-built structure of Char Dorta Government Primary School and Decree Dorta High School in Nishchintpur Union at high risk. Headmaster Ruhul Amin stated that the situation has been officially reported to higher authorities.

The worst-hit areas are Vetua and Chargirish villages in Chargirish Union, where over 300 homes, paved roads, and arable lands have already vanished into the riverbed, while more than 100 additional residences, local markets, mosques, madrasas, and vast tracts of farmland remain highly vulnerable. Locals expressed grave concern that the newly constructed three-story building of West Chargirish Government Primary School could collapse into the river at any moment, as it stands only 100 yards away from the eroding riverbank. Inaugurated just four months ago at a cost of millions of taka, the placement of such a major infrastructure project in an erosion-prone zone has drawn sharp public criticism.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) Sirajganj Executive Engineer Mokhlesur Rahman said that emergency measures are underway to combat erosion in Nishchintpur.