Budhhata Market, a 200-year-old commercial hub in Ashashuni Upazila of Satkhira, is facing an existential threat as severe erosion by the Betna River continues to destroy its protective embankment, putting hundreds of businesses and livelihoods at risk.
The historic marketplace, one of the region's busiest rural trading centers, hosts weekly markets every Monday and Friday, with transactions worth several crore taka. Friday's market also features one of the largest livestock markets in the area, drawing traders and buyers from across the district.
However, strong river currents have accelerated erosion along the market's southeastern and northwestern embankments, raising fears that large sections of the market could soon be lost to the river.
"We have more than 500 permanent business establishments here, and many of them are now directly at risk," said Nuruzzaman Julu, president of the Budhhata Market Committee.
Local traders described the situation as critical. Aluminium trader Abdul Jalil and hotel owner Bishu Moira said the river could engulf their businesses at any moment unless immediate protective measures are taken.
Residents blamed the worsening erosion on what they called poorly planned dredging operations. They alleged that dredging was carried out too close to the vulnerable riverbank instead of removing sediment from the river's center, altering the river's flow toward the market.
According to local residents, approximately 25 to 30 feet of the embankment adjacent to the market has collapsed into the river in recent days. In a recent incident, several ferry passengers, including a child, fell into the water after part of the riverbank suddenly gave way.
Ashashuni Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Shyamananda Kundu said he had inspected the affected area and requested the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) to take urgent action.
"Although continuous rainfall has delayed repair work, we have urged the authorities to begin emergency restoration as quickly as possible," he said.
Abdur Rahman Taskia, Executive Engineer of Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB)-2 in Satkhira, said the recent dredging had increased the river's carrying capacity but acknowledged that a long-term solution would require a new infrastructure project.
"A permanent and sustainable protection system will require a dedicated development project. Meanwhile, emergency repairs to the damaged embankment will be carried out on a priority basis," he said.
Local residents and business owners are now urging the government to implement both immediate erosion control measures and a permanent river protection project to preserve one of Ashashuni's oldest commercial centers and safeguard the livelihoods of hundreds of families.
