In Gafargaon upazila of Mymensingh, allegations have surfaced that a government canal in Chhoto Baraihati village was illegally filled and part of the Gafargaon–Bormi regional road land excavated to build a fish farm. The action has raised fears of waterlogging during the monsoon and irrigation problems in the dry season for hundreds of farmers across several nearby villages.

The Baumra canal, also known locally as Shukline, runs through multiple unions before joining the Sutia River. Farmers depend on it for drainage and irrigation. Locals claim that Awami League activist Abul Kashem filled about 200 feet of the canal and dug a deep pond on occupied road land, creating risks for the adjacent road. Several residents, including retired army personnel and a freedom fighter, accused him of land grabbing and warned of potential road collapse.

Kashem denied the allegations, stating he only developed his own land. The local agriculture officer said an investigation would be conducted, while the upazila executive officer confirmed that filling a government canal is illegal and directed the assistant commissioner (land) to take action.