River erosion is one of Bangladesh’s most persistent and devastating environmental challenges. Every year, entire communities disappear as powerful currents carve away land, displacing thousands and upending livelihoods.
Our country’s vast network of rivers is essential for agriculture, transportation, and biodiversity, and their degradation also poses an existential threat to rural communities living along their banks. Yet, despite erosion’s predictable cycle, responses remain reactive rather than preventative, leaving affected populations in a perpetual state of vulnerability.
The recent incident in Kurigram, where rising water levels triggered severe erosion along the banks of the Brahmaputra, Dharla, and Teesta rivers, have left residents in complete disarray is yet another startling reminder of this devastating phenomenon. According to reports, over 100 homes, farmlands, and trees have been left inundated by the rivers over the past several days while roads, educational institutions, mosques, madrasas, and community clinics are now also under threat - - locals have said that the intermittent rainfall over the past week has raised water levels in low-lying areas, inundating farmland.
This cannot continue.
The interim government, which has proven itself adept at recognizing the myriad environmental issues facing our nation, must also recognize river erosion as both an environmental and developmental priority. Initiatives such as tree plantation drives can stabilize riverbanks while also offering protection to adjacent areas -- this is tantamount to using nature as a defense against its own wrath.
As Bangladesh grapples with climate change and rapid urban expansion, protecting riverbank communities should be an integral part of national policy. Infrastructure investment, community resilience planning, and climate-adaptive governance must form the foundation of a long-term erosion prevention strategy -- because without decisive action, Bangladesh’s most vulnerable citizens will remain at the mercy of rising waters.
