Madaripur, July 30 (V7N) – After decades of losing their homes and fertile farmland to riverbank erosion, elderly villagers of Sahabhodorpur and Launchghat in Kalikini Upazila now face displacement once again due to the latest breach of the Arial Khan River. Among them is 70-year-old Chan Mia, who once owned acres of crops and homestead, but now lives in a small makeshift tin shack on government land after losing everything to flooding. Neighboring resident 75-year-old Bajlu Sardar has suffered similarly, enduring erosion from the same river seven times.
 
Residents say the Arial Khan's destructive course has swallowed about 200 homes this year alone, along with nearly 500 metres of a rural road connecting Launchghat to Sahabhodorpur. Dozens more families remain under threat, as key institutions—including several schools, markets, and a post office—stand on the brink of collapse.
 
This morning, officials from the Madaripur Water Development Board conducted a field inspection to assess the damage. In response, concerned locals and representatives from nearby educational institutions gathered for a human chain protest, demanding urgent erosion control measures. Speakers included Headmaster Abul Halim, retired teacher Moazzem Hossain, and acting madrasa superintendent Zakir Hossain. Local UP members Mokhlesur Rahman and Arafat also participated.
 
According to Sub-Divisional Engineer Shuvo Sarkar of the Water Development Board, preparations are underway to address the affected areas. Kalikini’s Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Saif-ul-Arefeen, confirmed that a list of displaced residents is being compiled and promised swift assistance within the current fiscal year to those impacted by the erosion.
 
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