Fresh erosion driven by the Padma River’s strong current has hit Jajira upazila in Shariatpur, affecting nearly 1,000 families in Majhirghat, Palerchar Bazar, Kathuria, Modhu Madbarer Kandi, Pailan Mollar Kandi and nearby areas. In Kathuria, about 150 metres of land, including a road and electricity poles, has already been swallowed by the river. Thousands of residents are living in fear as the erosion continues.

Within several hours, several more metres of land disappeared in Kathuria, according to an on-site account. Twenty-five homes and seven shops have been dismantled and moved for safety. Electricity workers are relocating vulnerable poles, while residents are removing bricks from the road. Locals allege that illegal sand extraction from the riverbed and delayed action by the Bangladesh Water Development Board have worsened the situation.

The water board said work is underway through 39 packages on a 10.67-kilometre riverbank protection embankment from Naodoba to Pathaliakandi at a cost of Tk 1,130 crore. It said three kilometres of the project are currently at risk, while emergency sand-filled geobags are being placed after earlier geobags were washed away by strong currents.