Posted on March 18, 2025
Every day, hundreds of goods-laden boats become stuck in the river, creating significant congestion. Consequently, no freight boats are able to access the markets in the Tahirpur and Bishwambarpur upazilas, causing substantial hardships for boat owners, workers, and traders.
Despite the decreasing water levels in the river each year, the responsible authorities have not taken any action to address this issue. Over the past few months, more than 500 boats carrying goods worth approximately Tk5-6 crore have remained stranded for different periods in the 2-3-kilometre stretch of waterway from River Rakti’s Katakhali-Niamatpur to River Surma in the upazila.
Additionally, goods valued at Tk10-15 crore are waiting to be loaded and transported across the river. As a result, traders report that their businesses are suffering significantly. Sources indicate that due to the high demand for sand and stones from the River Jadukata in Tahirpur, traders from around the country are reaching out to local traders to purchase these materials.
Boat owners and workers are also enduring extreme hardships and financial losses due to their vessels being stuck in the river day after day. Many, including sand and stone trader Jahangir Alam, express that local traders supply sand and stone to numerous locations across the country, such as Bhairab, Tangail, Mymensingh, Sirajganj, Daudkandi, Jashore, Khulna, Savar, Narayanganj, Faridpur, Chattogram, Cumilla, and Kishoreganj.
“Around 15 days ago, it was possible to cross this river to reach the River Surma daily, but now we have been stuck with our goods for the past 15 days, and our business is suffering due to the boat jam,” he said.
Borhan Uddin, a resident of the Niamatpur area, mentioned that various goods are transported for trade and commerce between the different upazilas of Sunamganj district and neighbouring Netrokona, Kalmakanda, Mohanganj, as well as parts of southwestern Bangladesh. The river is the sole means of transporting these goods. Due to the authorities’ reluctance to undertake dredging, both businessmen and boat workers are facing severe difficulties.
Mofizur Rahman, the executive officer of Bishwambarpur upazila, commented, “I will discuss this issue with the relevant authorities to find a solution.”
Dilip Kumar Das, the officer-in-charge (OC) of the Tukerbazar outpost in Sunamganj Sadar Upazila, said, “This problem could be alleviated if rain increases the water level in the river. We are monitoring the situation to maintain law and order.”
Md Mamun Howlader, the executive engineer of the Power Branch-1 of the Sunamganj Water Development Board (WDB), stated, “We excavated the river in the 2017-18 fiscal year to ensure its navigability. Even though the navigability crisis has resurfaced, we currently have no plans for further excavations.”
