Sachchida Nanda Dey Saday,Ashashuni (Satkhira) 

The earthen cross-dam constructed on the Betna River in the Chapra area of Budhhata Union, Ashashuni upazila, Satkhira, has been removed to facilitate water drainage. 

As a result, residents of Budhhata, Jhaudanga, and surrounding areas — who have been suffering from prolonged waterlogging — have begun to feel some relief.Although dredging of the Betna and Morichchap rivers has been ongoing for several years, the work is yet to be completed. 

The cross-dam near Chapra village had obstructed the natural flow of the river to allow excavation work. Due to recent heavy rainfall, the waterlogging situation worsened significantly. Homes, fish enclosures, orchards, and farmlands were submerged.

 A similar situation last year caused severe damage to Aman paddy crops.Lack of planning, slow project implementation, and failure to ensure water drainage during the monsoon continue to cause yearly losses to the local population.

 In response to pressure from residents, on Thursday, local leaders including Advocate Shahidul Islam (local Jamaat leader and APP of Judge Court), Budhhata UP Chairman Mahbubul Haque Dabul (lecturer), former chairman Alhaj Abdul Hannan, and former chairman of Baikari Shahid Hasan, removed the dam to restore water flow.According to local Jamaat-e-Islami sources, when waterlogging occurred due to heavy rains, a written appeal was submitted to the district Ameer seeking action. 

After visiting the area, former Baikari UP chairman Shahid Hasan submitted a report. The district Ameer brought the issue to the attention of the Deputy Commissioner. Based on his recommendation, the decision to remove the dam was taken and promptly implemented.