Mukter Hossain, Godagari (Rajshahi) 

 Severe bank erosion along the Padma River in Godagari Upazila has intensified, devouring residential homes, mosques, educational institutions, and vast tracts of agricultural land.

Local sources reported that erosion has taken an aggressive turn in Nimtala and Kharijagathi villages under No. 7 Deopara Union, as well as the Sarangpur, Kacharipara, Railbazar, Kuthipara, and Baruipara areas of Godagari Pourashava. Residents Afzal Sarkar of Baruipara and Ramzan Ali of Sarangpur noted that rapid fluctuations in water levels and strong river currents continue to wash away homesteads and standing crops daily.

Godagari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Israt Jahan inspected the affected areas, including Kuthipara, Sarangpur, and Sultanganj, on September 18 to assess the situation and speak with displaced families. UNO Israt Jahan stated that the administration is treating the emergency with high priority and has engaged with the Rajshahi Water Development Board (BWDB) and senior government officials to coordinate immediate intervention.

On the same day, a delegation led by Rajshahi District Jamaat Amir Professor Abdul Khalek visited the affected areas to express solidarity with victims and evaluate relief needs.

Regarding emergency protective measures, Rajshahi Water Development Board Executive Engineer Arifur Rahman Ankur confirmed that BWDB teams have inspected the vulnerable zones and initiated emergency geobag dumping in high-risk areas to arrest further riverbank collapsing. He added that a proposal for a permanent embankment project has been submitted to higher authorities for approval.