Padma erosion swallows part of historic Sureshwar fish market

SHARIATPUR, Oct 2: A 50-metre section of the right-bank protection embankment of the Padma River collapsed at Sureshwar point in Naria Upazila of the district early Friday, swallowing part of the historic Sureshwar fish market and forcing traders and residents to move their shops and houses.

The collapse occurred a day after cracks appeared in the embankment near the fish market, according to locals. The Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) said it has begun placing sand-filled geo-bags in the river as an emergency measure to slow the erosion.

Traders blamed strong river currents and what they described as unplanned sand dredging from the riverbed.

“Yesterday, our wholesale depot existed, but today it has been swept away by the Padma River. Where do we go now? Where can we conduct our business?” said Raju Bepari, a wholesaler at the market.

Fish trader Awlad Sardar said the collapse had disrupted the livelihoods of hundreds of people. Deen Islam, who has operated a business at Sureshwar market for 25 years, said traders had been left with nowhere to work.

Wholesalers Shahjalal Mia, Saiful Islam and Azizul Molla said about 30 to 35 wholesale fish depots had been lost to the river. Traders are now conducting business in the open.

Locals said about 500 to 600 people in the Sureshwar area are involved in the fish trade and expressed concern over their livelihoods and housing.

The Sureshwar launch terminal, a mosque, a madrasa, agricultural land and homes are also at risk of further erosion. Residents and affected traders have urged authorities to take immediate action.

Dr Mahmud Hossain Bakaul, who was the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for the Shariatpur-2 Constituency, inspected the site on Friday. He attributed the erosion to strong currents and unplanned sand extraction and urged authorities to halt the practice.

Jashim Uddin, Sub-Assistant Engineer of the Shariatpur BWDB, said sand-filled geo-bags were being placed in the river to prevent further erosion. He said a permanent embankment would be constructed during the dry season.

Abdul Hamid, Additional Chief Engineer of the BWDB’s Faridpur Zone, also inspected the site on Friday and said emergency erosion-control work had begun after senior officials were notified.

The BWDB completed a 10.2-kilometre embankment along the right bank of the Padma in 2023 at a cost of Tk 1,403 crore.