Cracks, Collapses, and Landslides Raise Alarms
The two-kilometre-long protection embankment on the Zajira end of Padma Bridge in Shariatpur is now in a dangerous condition.
Large parts of the embankment have caved in or developed deep cracks, and landslides have been reported in several areas.
These damages are mainly due to soil erosion underneath the structure, which is weakening its foundation.
Fear of Further Damage During Monsoon
Officials of the Water Development Board (BWDB) are worried that more sections might collapse during the coming monsoon season.
This fear has caused serious concern among people living in nearby villages and operating businesses in local markets.
Risk to Roads, Homes, and Markets
The erosion is putting important places at risk, including:
- Naodoba–Palerchar Road
- Mangal Majhi–Sattar Madbar Market
- Around 600 homes in the surrounding areas
- Previous Collapse and Survey Results
In November last year, about 100 metres of the embankment at Naodoba Zero Point collapsed into the Padma River.
After this, the BWDB and Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) conducted a joint survey, which found:
- Severe riverbed erosion in a one kilometre stretches beside the embankment.
- The river is now flowing very close to another kilometre of the embankment.
Important Infrastructure at Risk
Several important structures are built in this area of Zajira upazila, including:
- Padma Bridge cantonment
- Service Area-2
- South Thana
These could also be affected if erosion worsens.
Background of the Embankment
River erosion began back in 2012, shortly after land was acquired for Padma Bridge construction. To protect the site, a temporary 2-kilometre-long embankment was built at a cost of Tk110 crore.
This embankment was later connected to the main river training structure.However, since last year’s collapse, another 100-metre section near Majhirghat has seen erosion underneath it.
Nearby Villages in Danger
Many villages are located along the embankment, including:
- Mohar Ali Madbarbandi
- Alam Khanerkandi
- Achhim Uddin Madbarkandi
- Kalai Morolkandi
These villages, along with the Mangal Majhi–Sattar Madbar Market and the Naodoba–Palerchar road, serve thousands of people every day. If the embankment fails completely, the impact will be massive.
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Voices from the Community
Raju Madbar, a resident of Madbarkandi, said:
“The embankment was built temporarily. Now, the river’s current has changed, and it is collapsing. If everything is lost during the monsoon, we will be ruined. I urge the government to take immediate action.”
Badsha Miah, a businessman at Sattar Madbar Market, shared:
“There are around 200 businesses here. Cracks started appearing a year ago, and parts have already collapsed. This embankment can’t withstand rising water levels. Where will we go if it’s destroyed?”
Officials’ Statements and Future Plans
Tarek Hasan, Executive Engineer of Shariatpur BWDB, said:
“The embankment was originally built in FY2011–12 to protect the Padma Bridge construction yard.
A recent survey shows erosion underneath a one-kilometre stretch. It is now marked as risky. Some parts have already collapsed.
We are working on repairs and have submitted a Development Project Proposal (DPP) to the ministry.
If it isn’t approved soon, the embankment will face even greater danger.”
Shariatpur Deputy Commissioner, Mohammad Ashraf Uddin, added:
“The river protection embankment near Padma Bridge is extremely important.
We have discussed this with the BWDB and instructed them to take all possible actions to strengthen it.”
Urgent Action Required
The existing state of the embankment is a warning indication of a far larger tragedy if left ignored. Immediate and effective action is required to restore and fortify the structure before the monsoon arrives. The safety of thousands of people, their homes, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure now hinges on prompt government action.
Without prompt intervention, erosion may sweep away entire neighbourhoods, marketplaces, and essential roadways.
Source: TBS
