Bhabadah dredging begins to end longstanding waterlogging

A major dredging operation in the Bhabadah area of Jashore has begun today (24 October) to address the region's longstanding waterlogging crisis.

Under the supervision of the Bangladesh Army, dredging work is underway across 81.5 kilometres of six rivers, marking a significant step toward restoring the natural drainage system and improving local livelihoods.

The initiative is expected to meet the longstanding demand of residents in five upazilas of Jashore, Khulna and Satkhira districts.

Officials said the project aims to deliver both short‑term relief and long‑term resilience against seasonal flooding.

The formal inauguration of the dredging work was held today (24 October) at the Bhabadah sluice gate with the removal of soil from the river using an excavator.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Water Resources Affairs Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan joined the inaugural ceremony virtually.

Photo: Collected

Jashore Deputy Commissioner Azaharul Islam, Executive Engineer of the Water Development Board (WDB) Palash Kumar Banerjee, Army Project Director Lieutenant Colonel Mamun Ur Rashid, WDB Project Director B M Abdul Momin, Monirampur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nishat Tamanna, Keshabpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Reksona Khatun, President of Jashore Press Club Zahid Hasan Tukun, and Chief Adviser of the Bhabadah Water Drainage Movement Committee Iqbal Kabir Zahid, among others, were present.

Speaking on the occasion, Rizwana Hasan said the government is sincerely working to alleviate the suffering of Bhabadah residents caused by waterlogging.

"It is a deep‑rooted crisis, and the government has taken several coordinated projects to find a lasting solution," she added.

Expressing gratitude to the Army for taking charge of the dredging initiative, she said the dredging of 81.5 kilometres across the six rivers will help drain stagnant water from the affected areas in the short and medium term.

However, the government continues to work toward a permanent solution, which requires combined efforts from all, she noted.

Lieutenant Colonel Mamun Ur Rashid said the Army has always carried out challenging assignments with utmost responsibility, and tackling waterlogging in the Bhabadah region is also a very challenging task.

An integrated project is also under implementation for this region, he said, expressing hope that it will be possible to free the people from the curse of waterlogging with the cooperation of the local administration, government and the public.