Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, June 15, 2026 (BSS) - Residents of the Padma river char areas in Rajshahi's Paba upazila today raised concerns over long-standing shortages in healthcare, transport and disaster preparedness during an exchange meeting with local administration.

The meeting was held at Charkhidirpur Government Primary School in Charkhidirpur area of Harian Union, where Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kazi Shahidul Islam attended as chief guest. He assured that necessary steps would be taken to address the problems raised by local people.

Chaired by Paba Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ibnul Abedin, the discussion focused on government development activities, service delivery, and border security issues.

Local residents described acute hardship in accessing basic services. Komor Ali, a resident of Charkhanpur area, said there is no community clinic or health centre in the locality, which has around 3,500 voters. 

He said residents, including pregnant women, children and elderly people, are forced to travel about 10 kilometres to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for treatment and demanded the establishment of a community clinic.

Harian Union Parishad member Abu Zafar Promise said that despite its proximity to Rajshahi city, the char areas remain deprived of basic facilities. He said poor communication, especially during the monsoon and floods, severely disrupts daily life.

He also called for the construction of cyclone shelters in two wards, installation of solar street lights in vulnerable areas, and elevated shelters for livestock during floods. He further raised concerns over public safety following a recent increase in Russell's viper sightings in the area.

Addressing the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted various government welfare initiatives, including farmer card, family card for low-income households, and ongoing infrastructure development projects aimed at reducing poverty and improving living standards.

He said the government is working to ensure that services reach marginalized communities and stressed that effective service delivery remains a key responsibility of the administration.

Referring to the Liberation War, he called on citizens to remain united in protecting national independence and contributing to the country's development.

The DC, noting this as his first visit to the area, said he had directly observed the challenges faced by char residents and pledged to return to review progress on development initiatives.

He also urged local people to remain alert against illegal border infiltration, saying that "push-in" attempts refer to the forced or tactical movement of individuals across borders, which has raised concern in recent times.

Rajshahi Battalion (1 BGB) Commander Lieutenant Colonel Riaz Shahriar also called for heightened vigilance along the border, noting that recent developments in a neighbouring country have increased the risk of infiltration attempts. 

He said a recent attempt in the Rajshahi border area was foiled due to the combined efforts of local residents and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

He urged continued cooperation between locals and security forces to prevent any future incidents.

Local officials, including Additional Deputy Commissioner Mohinul Hasan, Assistant Commissioner (Land) Mohammad Mehedi Hasan, Union Parishad Chairman, and Paba Upazila BNP Joint Convener Sultan Ahmed, were also present at the event along with other dignitaries.