The government will begin construction of a permanent embankment in Tangail next fiscal year to prevent the recurring erosion of the Jamuna River, which displaces thousands of people annually.
The announcement was made by Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee during a visit to erosion-affected areas in Charpauli, Kakua Union, Tangail Sadar Upazila, on Friday.
The minister inspected the affected riverbank areas and held at an exchange meeting with local residents at the Mintu Memorial High School ground.
He stated that the project aims to address the long-standing demands of local residents and alleviate their hardships caused by river erosion.
The minister noted that every year, the Jamuna’s erosion destroys agricultural land, homes, and various structures.
To address this, the government has allocated approximately Tk50 crore for the construction of a permanent embankment in the affected areas of Tangail.
He further highlighted that the project would not only prevent erosion but also stimulate the local economy and include the development of infrastructure such as roads.
Addressing the gathering as the keynote speaker, State for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku emphasised that the government is delivering on its pre-election promise to build a permanent embankment to stop the Jamuna’s encroachment.
Several high-ranking officials and political figures, including Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Shamsul Alam Sarkar, and Md Shahjahan Siraj, Chief Engineer of the Bangladesh Water Development Board (Central Region), attended the event.
Also present were Tangail Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Shahin Mia, District BNP President Hasannujamil Shahin, former Vice President Ziaul Haque Shahin, and former Member Secretary of District BNP Mahmudul Haque Sanu, alongside local representatives and residents affected by the river erosion.
