Noakhali authorities removed the controversial “Rickshaw Puller’s Embankment,” also known as the Farakka embankment, from Algeer canal in Kabirhat উপজেলা on Monday, August 24. BNP Vice Chairman and Noakhali-4 lawmaker Md Shahjahan said resolving waterlogging and drainage problems would free Noakhali from a long-standing burden and support its prosperity. The embankment was cut to restore the canal’s natural water flow.

The earthen embankment was originally built to stop saline water from the Bamni River from entering the area. It later became a major obstruction to water drainage in Noakhali Sadar, Kabirhat and Companiganj. Noakhali-5 lawmaker Mohammad Fakhrul Islam, former district BNP president Golam Haider BSc, local party leaders, officials, public representatives and residents attended the removal.

Authorities decided to remove the embankment after construction of a closure and a 19-vent regulator on the Bamni River. They are also re-excavating a combined 10.5 kilometres of Algeer and Jaliar canals. The administration said the work could relieve waterlogging for about 900,000 people across 150 square kilometres, while supporting agriculture and fisheries and helping protect immovable assets valued at about Tk 2.8 billion.