Pabna, July 9 (V7N) - Continuous rainfall and the rising water levels of the Padma River are causing severe riverbank erosion, threatening the Nazirganj Ferry Terminal in Pabna's Sujanagar upazila. Several areas have already been swallowed by the river, and the residents along the riverbanks are facing the terrifying prospect of losing their homes.

On July 8, 2025, when reporters visited the area, they observed severe erosion on the eastern side of the ferry terminal. Large sections of land were being swept into the river. The erosion is progressing for several kilometers, just a few feet away from the ferry's main platform. The proximity of the river's edge to residential areas has created panic among the locals, many of whom are already witnessing their homes collapse into the river.

Local residents like Saiful Islam and Abul Kashem Sheikh expressed their concerns:
"On the western side of the river, large blocks have been placed to protect the riverbank. However, there are no such measures on the eastern side, and the erosion has worsened over the years. This time, it feels more intense. If this continues, our homes will soon be gone. We just want the riverbank to be protected—nothing else."

The ongoing erosion is a result of poor river management during the dry season and the lack of preventive measures. Additionally, illegal sand extraction activities near the ferry terminal have contributed to the instability of the riverbank, according to local residents.

Blame on Authorities:
The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) Port Officer at Nazirganj Ferry, Tofazzul Hossain, has blamed local authorities for the current situation. He said, "According to the agreement, we were supposed to receive the land for the ferry terminal in 2023. However, neither the U.N.O. nor the District Commissioner has handed it over to us. As a result, we are unable to develop the ferry terminal. If this continues, the terminal will soon sink into the river, and we will be forced to relocate our costly ferry platform."

Response from Local Authorities:
Sujanagar Upazila Executive Officer (UNO), Mir Rasheduzjaman Rasheed, responded by stating, "Local objections have delayed the land transfer to the BIWTA. We have already conducted a field visit to assess the riverbank erosion and have notified the Water Development Board (WDB). We are taking urgent steps to address the issue."

Conclusion:
The situation at Nazirganj Ferry Terminal is worsening, and residents are in desperate need of immediate action to prevent further destruction. The delay in land transfer and lack of adequate riverbank protection measures have only exacerbated the crisis, leaving locals to deal with the looming threat of losing their homes and livelihoods.

END/MSR/SMA/