In Madarganj Upazila, Jamalpur, critical riverbank protection work along the Jamuna River has been abruptly halted due to extortion threats, raising serious concerns about worsening river erosion and potential flooding ahead of the upcoming monsoon season. Contractors involved in the project have reported that local criminal groups demanded substantial bribes, forcing them to suspend operations to ensure the safety of workers.
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Work Halted Over Extortion
Sources familiar with the project, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that prior to the planned placement of geo-bags to reinforce the riverbank, a local extortion ring demanded large sums from the contractor. The project officially commenced on 15 February, but within just five days, on 20 February, all work ceased. Both the contractor and labourers vacated the site, leaving the project dormant.
Seikot Hasan, contractor from Molla Traders, based in Tangail, explained:
“We cannot continue work due to repeated extortion demands. Despite being granted access to the site, we were compelled to halt operations. This suspension is harming both our business and the local community.”
When asked to identify the perpetrators, Hasan declined, citing safety concerns, and refrained from revealing names.
Official Statements
Enamul Haq, Assistant Engineer and Project Officer of the Jamalpur Water Development Board (WDB), confirmed that the contract for riverbank protection in Pakarul village, Charpakerdah Union, covering 50 metres, was awarded to Molla Traders at BDT 4.8 million. He added:
“The site has been handed over, but we are unaware why work has stopped. Interested parties should contact the contractor for further information.”
Suman Chowdhury, Executive Officer of Madarganj Upazila, noted:
“Neither the WDB nor the contractor approached local administration for support. This is the first I am hearing of the matter.”
Impact of River Erosion
Over the past four years, continuous erosion along a three-kilometre stretch in Pakarul village and neighbouring areas has caused extensive destruction. Thousands of homes, hundreds of bighas of farmland, schools, community facilities, and religious sites have been lost.
| Impacted Category | Extent / Loss |
|---|---|
| Residential Homes | Thousands submerged or destroyed |
| Agricultural Land | 400 bighas of farmland lost |
| Schools & Madrasas | Multiple educational institutions damaged |
| Community Facilities | 3 shelters, community clinics destroyed |
| Religious Sites | Mosques and ancient trees eroded |
| Burial Grounds | Entire cemeteries submerged |
Despite ongoing WDB interventions, efforts have so far been insufficient to curb the persistent erosion. Thousands remain homeless and at heightened risk of flooding during the approaching monsoon.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 15 February | Riverbank protection work commenced |
| 20 February | Work halted due to extortion threats |
| 5 March | Reports confirm continued suspension of project |
| Upcoming Monsoon | Flooding and erosion risks expected to rise |
Urgent Call for Action
Experts warn that suspending riverbank protection work not only jeopardises local livelihoods but also threatens regional infrastructure, agriculture, and environmental stability. With the monsoon season imminent, immediate measures are required to ensure contractor safety, curb extortion, and resume protective works without delay.
Failure to act swiftly could exacerbate the humanitarian and economic toll, undermining years of efforts to stabilise one of Bangladesh’s most vulnerable and volatile waterways. Community leaders and affected residents are urging authorities to intervene decisively to safeguard both the riverbank and the thousands of people dependent on it for their homes, livelihoods, and safety.