Irregularities deepen doubts over Khulna embankment project

Despite a massive government project meant to offer lasting protection, irregularities and sluggish progress are raising serious questions about whether the embankments will withstand the next tide.

Experts say climate change, rising tidal pressure and shifts in river flow continue to intensify threats along the Bay of Bengal coast.

The government’s long-awaited sustainable embankment project—worth nearly Tk 12,000 crore—initially offered hope to thousands who face erosion every summer and monsoon. But allegations of mismanagement now overshadow the initiative.

Illegal Sand Extraction, Tree Cutting Undermine Safety

Locals and environmental groups report that sand is being illegally extracted from the Kopotakkho and Shakbaria rivers to support embankment construction.

At the same time, riverside trees are being cut indiscriminately, weakening natural buffers meant to stabilise the structures.

On December 4, these fears materialised when nearly 200 metres of embankment collapsed at Matiabhanga in South Bedkashi union—without strong winds or floods.

The sudden breach inundated nearby areas. Two days later, fresh cracks appeared between Doshahalia in Maharajpur union and Hoglar, forcing residents to patch the damage themselves.

Residents say they heard unusual soil-lifting sounds late at night before the embankment gave way. Many believe the incident was linked to unchecked extraction and construction malpractice.

“The embankment just vanished before our eyes. We thought our homes and everything would be washed away,” recalled Masum Billah, a resident of Matiabhanga.

Abdus Salam, another villager, said erosion has been intensifying daily. “Three houses have already been lost. Despite the long-standing vulnerability, no repairs were undertaken,” he said.

Warnings Ignored, Cracks Left Unrepaired

The breached area is part of a Tk 1,200-crore Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) mega project in Koyra and adjoining regions. The work includes raising and widening 32 km of embankments, slope protection, river management and riverside afforestation. But locals say they have seen little evidence of strong, sustained work on the ground.

Didarul Alam, a member of Ward No. 3 of South Bedkashi union, said cracks had been reported a month earlier near the mouths of the Arpangasia and Kopotakkho rivers.

“No effective measures were taken. Only a few sandbags were placed, which allowed the crack to widen and collapse,” he said.

BWDB Satkhira-2 Division Deputy Assistant Engineer Alamgir Kabir insisted that repair work is underway and that a temporary ring embankment has helped halt further flooding.

Environmentalists Alarmed by Project Irregularities

Environmental activists say the recent embankment breach in winter—traditionally a calm season—is highly unusual and signals structural weaknesses.

Anwar Hossain, convener of the Coastal and Sundarbans Conservation Movement, expressed deep concern over illegal sand lifting and deforestation along river chars. These destructive practices, he said, directly undermine embankment durability.

“Breaches like this in winter are unprecedented,” he said, pointing to irregularities in project execution despite substantial government funding.

A Coastal Region Running Out of Time

For vulnerable communities already living on the edge, the collapse has renewed fears of a future defined by unchecked erosion, tidal surges and displacement. With the monsoon months only half a year away, residents worry that without transparency, accountability and swift action, the mega project may fail to deliver the protection it promised, reports UNB. 

Locals say they cannot afford another collapse, or another year of neglect.