New erosion has emerged along the Padma River in Louhajang upazila of Munshiganj as rising water levels and strong currents caused parts of a recently built embankment to collapse. The permanent riverbank protection structure, constructed at a cost of Tk 527.5 crore and stretching 9.10 kilometers, has developed cracks and subsidence in several spots near Gaodia. Hundreds of families living along the river are now gripped by fear after sections of the embankment, completed only one and a half months ago, began to sink into the river.

Local residents expressed frustration, saying they had hoped the new embankment would finally protect them from decades of recurring erosion. Witnesses reported that the collapse began suddenly on Sunday afternoon near Gaodia Bazar, prompting families to move belongings to safety. Officials from the Water Development Board and the upazila administration visited the site, assuring that emergency repairs were underway and the situation was being monitored.

Residents have demanded a full investigation into the project’s design, construction quality, and materials, warning that without swift action, Gaodia Bazar and nearby areas could face severe erosion in the coming days.