After decades of severe river erosion and repeated displacement, thousands of families living along the banks of the Madhumati River in Madhukhali and Alfadanga upazilas of Faridpur are finally seeing hope of lasting protection as a major embankment project nears completion.
For generations, riverbank residents have lived in constant fear, especially during the monsoon season, when erosion regularly washed away homes, croplands, and vital infrastructure. With the construction of a permanent embankment, that long-standing uncertainty is now giving way to relief and cautious optimism.
According to the Water Development Board, a 9.5-kilometre embankment is being constructed at eight vulnerable points in Madhukhali and Alfadanga upazilas at a cost of approximately Tk 487 crore. The project began on July 1, 2023, with a scheduled completion date of June 30, 2027. However, nearly 90% of the work has already been completed.
Local residents say the transformation has significantly reduced their fear ahead of the monsoon season. Where Eid celebrations were once overshadowed by anxiety over possible displacement, communities are now experiencing a renewed sense of security.
“We used to live every monsoon in fear of losing our homes. Now that fear is gone,” said a resident from the riverbank area.
Local farmer Abdul Kader said much of his land had already been lost to erosion over the years, but expressed relief that remaining property now appears protected. “At least what is left will be saved,” he said.
Faridpur Zila Parishad Administrator Abjal Hossain Khan Palash said that the project aims to protect eight severely river-erosion–affected locations in Madhukhali and Alfadanga upazilas of the district. The protection work covers a wide range of vulnerable infrastructure, including government and private establishments, the Shaheed Birshreshtha Munshi Abdur Rouf Memorial Museum, connecting roads, houses under the “Swapnagar” Ashrayan project—the largest housing project in Faridpur—along with primary schools, markets, community clinics, religious institutions, agricultural land, residential areas, and other settlements threatened by erosion.
He said that, in effect, the long-cherished demand and aspiration of people living along the banks of the Madhumati River is now being fulfilled, and he expressed gratitude to the government for taking the initiative.
Meanwhile, Md. Rakib Hossain, Executive Engineer of the Faridpur Water Development Board, described the project as a major intervention to control erosion along the Madhumati River. He said the embankment will safeguard thousands of families, farmlands, and vital infrastructure. He also noted that additional measures have been taken to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area.
As part of the beautification effort, permanent benches and umbrellas have been installed along the riverbank, attracting visitors from distant areas. The embankment is gradually turning into a recreational space as well as a protective structure.
Looking ahead to the upcoming monsoon season, he added, “There is now no fear of erosion—only renewed hope for a safer and more secure life.”