Meghna erosion makes 25,000 homeless

Around 25,000 people in Kamalnagar upazila of the district have become homeless as a result of erosion by the Meghna river.

Twenty-five educational institutions in four unions, 20 cyclone shelters, more than 500 business establishments and a big tract of land have been devoured by the river.

Saheber Hat, Char Kalkini, Char Martin and Char Falkan unions in Kamalnagar upazila have disappeared into the river. Only a part of Char Palkin exists, but it could be lost soon, locals said.

Upazila Education Officer Anamul Haque said they are taking initiatives to build educational institutions in suitable places.

Executive Engineer of Bangladesh Water Development Board Gazi Yar Ali said a one- kilometre-long embankment from Matabbor Hat to the upstream side of the Meghna river is under construction at a cost of Tk 48 crore. The project will be completed by May 2017.