Severe riverbank erosion in Jagannathpur, Sunamganj, has left a vital road hanging over the Kushiyara River, endangering commuters and raising fears of isolation for nearby communities.
Along the banks of the Kushiyara River in Jagannathpur upazila, Sunamganj in northeastern Bangladesh, a vital road is on the verge of collapse, leaving thousands of residents at risk as commuters navigate a dangerously narrow strip each day.
The Jagannathpur–Barafechi road, once wide enough for two-way traffic, now hangs precariously over the riverbank in several places. West of the ongoing riverbank protection project near Barafechi Bazar, the river has already eaten deep into the land, leaving the road barely passable and raising fears of isolation for nearby villages.
“The danger feels very close,” said Rahmat Ali, a local resident. “If this hanging part of the road falls into the river, people here will suffer badly. We will be completely cut off from markets, healthcare and schools.”
The threatened stretch serves as the only connection between several communities and the Jagannathpur upazila headquarters. Any disruption, residents warn, would make it nearly impossible to access essential services.
For drivers, the risk is part of daily life. Amin Uddin, a local driver, said he and others continue to use the road despite knowing it could collapse at any moment.
“We know the road could fall into the river at any time,” he said. “But we have no alternative. To earn our living and reach our destinations, we are risking our lives every day.”
River erosion is a recurring problem in Bangladesh, a country crisscrossed by hundreds of rivers. Seasonal flooding, stronger currents and climate change-driven rainfall have increased pressure on riverbanks, threatening homes, farmland and critical infrastructure. Experts say the country loses thousands of kilometres of riverbank annually due to erosion, making communities like those in Jagannathpur particularly vulnerable.
Officials say steps are being taken to address the situation, though progress has been slower than residents would like.
Sheikh Farid, upazila officer of the Water Development Board, said erosion protection work is ongoing along the affected section of the Kushiyara River. Geo-textile bags filled with soil are being placed in the riverbed to stabilise the bank and slow further erosion.
“Work is continuing, but it has slowed due to a shortage of sand and soil,” Farid said. “However, the erosion control project is expected to be completed within this year. Once finished, the road will no longer be at risk.”
Local residents, however, are urging authorities to act faster, warning that further delays could result in the complete loss of the road.
“If the road collapses before the work is completed, our lives and livelihoods will be in serious danger,” said Rahmat Ali. “We can only hope the authorities finish the project in time.”
The situation in Jagannathpur highlights a broader challenge for Bangladesh, a low-lying delta nation highly vulnerable to riverbank erosion, flooding and climate change. Roads, bridges and homes along riverbanks frequently face similar threats, disrupting transportation, isolating communities and endangering lives.
As authorities continue work to protect the road, residents remain on edge, navigating the narrow, unstable strip daily while hoping that interventions along the Kushiyara River can prevent disaster.
