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Severe riverbank erosion has intensified across several char areas in Sirajganj as the Jamuna River continues to swell due to upstream hill runoff and persistent rainfall, devouring homes, cropland and infrastructure.
Locals said the river’s water level has been rising steadily for weeks. Although it receded slightly a few days ago, it began increasing again on Saturday morning, accelerating erosion in multiple riverine zones.
The worst-hit areas include parts of Chauhali, Kazipur and Sirajganj Sadar upazilas.
In Kazipur, Khash Rajbari and Char Girish have suffered extensive damage, while Char Salimabad in Chauhali, Purba Bahuka and Kawakola Char in Sirajganj Sadar, along with several char areas in Shahjadpur, have also been severely affected.
Numerous houses, educational institutions, trees and vast stretches of farmland have already been swallowed by the river.
Many residents are dismantling their homes and relocating to safer areas, while others remain stranded, facing acute hardship after losing their properties.
Although erosion in Purba Bahuka under Sirajganj Sadar has eased somewhat, it continues unabated in the char regions of Chauhali and Kazipur.
The Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) has initiated emergency protection work in affected areas.
However, locals alleged that nearly 200 metres of embankment in Chauhali and Kazipur were washed away in two separate incidents last month.
They also claimed that the BWDB often fails to identify vulnerable points in advance and typically responds only after erosion begins, leaving communities exposed to recurring disasters each year.
An official from the district Relief and Rehabilitation Department said financial assistance is being arranged for affected families.
Sirajganj BWDB Executive Engineer Mokhlesur Rahman said the Jamuna’s rising water level, driven by upstream runoff, has intensified the situation.
“The strong current and formation of whirlpools on the riverbed have triggered erosion at different points,” he said.
He, however, noted that there is no immediate risk of flooding despite the rising water levels, adding that emergency measures are underway to contain further erosion.