Several stretches of the Jamalpur–Mymensingh highway are under threat from erosion along the Brahmaputra River, raising fears that road communication between the two districts could be cut off unless urgent protective measures are taken.
Local residents have called for immediate action, while the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) said it has completed a feasibility study and submitted a proposal to higher authorities.
The Brahmaputra has flowed alongside the Jamalpur–Mymensingh highway for generations. However, erosion along its right bank and changes in the river’s course have gradually brought the water closer to the road.
Haripur, Sharifpur and Nandina in Jamalpur Sadar upazila are among the most vulnerable areas.
Residents said erosion occurs every year as water levels rise and fall. If the erosion continues, several stretches of the highway could eventually be swallowed by the river, severely disrupting road communication between Jamalpur and Mymensingh.
Rubel Mia, a resident of Haripur, said the river had moved considerably closer to the highway over the years.
“When we were young, the Brahmaputra was at least a kilometre away from here. Now it has come right up to the highway,” he said.
Another Haripur resident, Anwar Hossain, expressed similar concerns.
“The riverbank is eroding every year. If this continues, the river will reach the Mymensingh highway and begin eroding the road itself,” he said.
Abul Kalam Azad, a resident of Nandina, warned that the threat extended beyond Sharifpur and Nandina.
“Wherever the river has moved close to the highway, the road is at risk of serious damage. It could eventually collapse. We urge the authorities to pay attention and take action,” he said.
Another Nandina resident, Abdur Rahman, said the highway was a crucial transport link connecting Jamalpur with Mymensingh, Bhaluka and Dhaka.
“It will not take long for the road to be destroyed. The river has already moved dangerously close because of continued erosion. If nothing is done, the road could be completely destroyed,” he said.
The distance between Jamalpur and Mymensingh is 54 kilometres by road, compared with 108 kilometres by river.
BWDB Jamalpur Executive Engineer Md Nakibuzzaman Khan said a feasibility study had been completed for riverbank protection work covering a 1,300-metre stretch at Haripur.
“We have prepared a project based on the proposal. Once it is approved, we will be able to undertake riverbank protection work along the 1,300-metre stretch,” he said.
