Md. Shakil Ahmed, Bamna (Barguna) 

The relentless erosion of the Bishkhali River is threatening to engulf Ramna Launch Ghat in Bamna Upazila, Barguna District.

Once a bustling commercial hub, this vital center now stands on the brink of collapse due to severe erosion. The looming threat of being swallowed by the river has instilled deep despair and fear among the local community.

If urgent measures are not taken, Ramna and the livelihoods of thousands of people dependent on it risk being erased from the map. Ramna Launch Ghat was not just a transit point for ferries; it was a critical commercial hub for Bamna Upazila. Trawlers and launches carrying goods from various parts of the country docked here, and the area buzzed daily with the footsteps of thousands, a familiar sight for visitors over a century.

Local farmers sold their produce, fishermen brought fresh fish, and traders ran thriving businesses. However, in just a few years, the aggressive erosion of the Bishkhali River has stripped away this golden past. Discussions with locals reveal that the erosion intensified since 2017. Initially affecting small patches, its severity has doubled in the last two years. Hundreds of shops and homes have vanished before their eyes.

The main infrastructure of the launch ghat is now on the verge of being swallowed by the river. Most shopkeepers in the market have been forced to relocate, while those still in the erosion-prone area spend sleepless nights in fear, uncertain when the river will claim their last refuge.

Veteran traders of Ramna Bazar, with tears in their eyes, said, “Our grandparents and parents ran businesses in this market. We, too, have been doing business here for years. Everything is being destroyed before our eyes. So many people have lost their homes and lands, and countless families have been left destitute. We have nowhere else to go. If the government doesn’t act quickly, we will be washed away.”

Locals emphasized that temporary measures like placing geo-bags are not a solution; a long-term plan for river management is essential to protect the people of this area. According to them, unplanned sand extraction and changes in the river’s course have intensified the erosion, necessitating increased oversight by relevant government departments.

Ramna Launch Ghat and Bazar are more than just a commercial center; they are the lifeline for thousands of people. Failure to protect this area will have severe repercussions on the local economy and social life.