Local residents of Merurchar Union in Bakshiganj upazila, Jamalpur, held a human chain on Tuesday afternoon along the Brahmaputra River at Bhati Kolkihara area. The demonstration called for urgent and effective measures to stop severe river erosion that has been destroying homes, farmland, and trees across nearly four kilometers of riverbank.

Speakers including Delwar Hossain, Aminul Islam, and Lepu Mia said continuous erosion has already engulfed parts of Fakirpara, Shantinagar, Baghadoba, and Bhati Kolkihara villages, leaving hundreds of families destitute. They warned that five villages risk disappearing from the map as new areas are being swallowed daily. Despite the growing threat, no permanent or effective steps have yet been taken to prevent further damage.

Participants demanded immediate construction of sustainable embankments and implementation of protective projects. They also urged government intervention, particularly from State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, MP, and announced plans for larger protests if no prompt action follows.