River erosion is leaving families destitute in Dhitpur, Kurshi and neighbouring villages of Sonatani union in Shahjadpur upazila, Sirajganj. Two years ago the whole of Barpakhia village went into the river; it had about 1,800 voters, more than 300 homesteads, four mosques, a madrasa and two government primary schools.

Residents say 350 of Dhitpur's roughly 500 homes have already been lost, along with damage to two mosques, a primary school and two graveyards. The Kurshi-Dhitpur cattle market and a rural electricity complaint centre are at risk. In Kurshi more than 150 of about 400 homes have gone into the river.

"I have moved my house three times. Now it is breaking again," said Abdur Rahman of Dhitpur. Elderly Shahid Ali said he has moved nine times after nine bouts of erosion. Villagers were seen dismantling a threatened mosque, carrying its tin, bamboo and posts to safety.

Several of those left with nothing said that despite losing homes and land year after year there has been no rehabilitation or lasting solution, and no government relief. Syed Ali Mollah, husband of the local union council member, said 80 to 90 houses have gone in Dhitpur and, as far as he knows, people there have received no relief.

Upazila project implementation officer Mizanur Rahman said dry food had been given to 175 people and others would be listed and helped later. Shahjadpur UNO Sabrin Sharmin said she had distributed relief there herself. The union council chairman could not be reached as his phone was switched off.

Erosion is taking not only homes but village markets, graveyards and farmland; without rehabilitation and lasting bank protection these families will struggle to recover.

Source: Bangla Tribune