The Bangladesh Human Rights Foundation (BHRF), one of the country’s largest human rights organisations, has provided essential relief materials to flood-affected families in Baharchhara union of Banshkhali.
As part of its humanitarian initiative, BHRF members distributed essential daily necessities to around 350 flood-affected families in Banshkhali, reads a press release.
The organisation also acknowledged the efforts of its volunteers and supporters who helped deliver the assistance.
Alongside the relief distribution, BHRF carried out a field assessment to determine the causes of the 2026 flooding and waterlogging in Baharchhara union and surrounding areas.
Based on its findings, the organisation prepared and published a field human rights report outlining the major factors behind the worsening flood situation.
The report, prepared by human rights activists KM Shantanu Chowdhury and Captain Saikat Mohammad Rifat, both residents of Baharchhara union, found that excessive rainfall, coupled with disruptions to natural water flow, played a significant role in the flooding.
It also identified canal encroachment, poor maintenance of sluice gates, sediment build-up from upstream hills, reduced capacity of connecting canals, and unplanned settlements as major factors affecting the area’s drainage system.
According to the report, the filling of river channels and the construction of barriers for fish farming projects have further contributed to prolonged waterlogging in the region.
Based on the findings, BHRF recommended restoring and clearing canals, improving existing sluice gate systems, ensuring proper drainage of rainwater from the hills, removing illegal canal encroachments, and introducing stronger measures to prevent unplanned construction in flood-prone areas.
The organisation said coordinated action by the relevant authorities is essential to restore natural water flow, improve flood management, and protect the lives and livelihoods of people living in vulnerable areas.
