Many of the tin-shed houses constructed under the Ashrayan Project in Diganagar, Muksedpur Upazila, Gopalganj, have become uninhabitable due to damage from sun, rain, and the passage of time. About  40 families, totaling around 200-300 people, are enduring extreme hardship as a result.

Local sources report that after the Awami League government came to power in 1996, the Ashrayan Project was initiated in 1998 to provide housing for helpless, poor, and landless individuals. As part of this initiative, the Muksedpur Upazila administration constructed 40 tin-shed houses in the Diganagar area adjacent to Diganagar Bazar under the 10th Diganagar Union. Each family was allocated three decimals of land. Since receiving these houses, the 40 families have been living peacefully with their loved ones. However, due to the prolonged time since construction, the tin roofs of most houses have developed holes, the tin sheets have deteriorated, and the structures have weakened. As a result, rainwater leaks into the houses, and the heat from the tin roofs creates unbearable conditions during hot weather.

Victim Rabeya Begum said, “When it rains, water leaks into the house, and we can’t even sit in a dry place. I am suffering greatly with my young children.” Housewife Ismat Ara Begum echoed similar sentiments, stating, “We received these houses during the previous government, but now we can barely stay in them. We don’t have the means to repair them.”

Rabeya Begum further noted that although the government provided each landless family with a house and a written deed for three decimals of land, the full allocation of land has not been handed over. During the allocation process, the then-upazila administration instructed the families to cultivate crops on the vacant land in front of their houses for sustenance. However, it has been reported that officials from the Diganagar Union Land Office are now attempting to allocate these vacant spaces to other individuals. Rabeya Begum added, “The population in our families has grown significantly compared to before, making it difficult to live in such limited space. If the vacant land in front of our houses is allocated to others, it will be extremely challenging to live with our children.” In response, the affected families have filed a complaint with the Gopalganj District Administrator against the local land officials attempting to allocate the designated land to influential persons.

When contacted, Diganagar Union Parishad Chairman Mohammad Ali said, the government had provided houses and land to the 40 landless families under the Ashrayan Project. However, due to the prolonged period since construction, the tin roofs have developed holes, and the structures have become dilapidated, rendering them uninhabitable. He informed journalists that he has submitted multiple applications to the Gopalganj District Administrator and Muksedpur Upazila Executive Officer on behalf of the Union Parishad for the repair of these houses, citing the hardships faced by the landless, helpless, and poor residents. He added that the authorities have not taken any action so far.

Muksedpur UNO  Tasnim Akter said, “We have received the complaint. Currently, there is no government allocation for the Ashrayan Project. If the government provides any allocation, measures will be taken to address the issues of the affected Ashrayan Project.”

Local residents have strongly urged the relevant authorities to conduct an on-site investigation and take necessary steps to ensure that the landless families of the Diganagar Ashrayan Project can live safely with their loved ones.