9 villages on brink of extinction in Sirajganj

Sirajganj has been experiencing continuous rain for several days. The rain waters from upstream also caused the rise of the water level in the Jamuna River.

As a result, river erosion has started in the region. Every day, croplands, houses and various structures are being washed into the riverbed.

Nine villages across three unions of Shahjadpur upazila in Sirajganj are on the verge of being washed away due to the continuous erosion by the Jamuna River.

Monowara Begum (65) of Dhitpur village in Sonatani Union said, "I have been a victim of river erosion 14 times in my lifetime and still I am facing it. I am living in a house built on others land. The aggressive Jamuna River has come near that house again. If it breaks now, then there is nowhere to go for me.”

Like Monowara Begum, countless people in Dhitpur village are living in fear of river erosion.

Maulana Nazrul Islam, another dweller of Kursi village said, "The soil of Sonatani Union is as fertile as gold. Whatever crops are sown here, they yield abundantly. Cattle markets, mosques, madrasas, houses, and cropland are all being lost here due to the erosion of the Jamuna River."

Shahjadpur Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Kamruzzaman said that river erosion has occurred in several villages in the char area, including Sonatani Union, due to the increase in water levels in the river. After inspecting the area, steps will be taken to rehabilitate the affected people.