Photo : BSS

GOPALGANJ, July 21, 2026 (BSS) - Around 300 families in Ward No-2 of Barni union under Tungipara upazila of the district have been relieved from three years of seasonal waterlogging following the intervention of Gopalganj-3 MP SM Jilani.

Residents had been suffering every monsoon after the outlet of an underground culvert, which drained rainwater directly into a nearby river, was blocked with soil and sand about three years ago. The obstruction caused severe waterlogging, disrupting the daily lives of thousands of people, including students, farmers and livestock owners.

According to locals, the culvert beneath Nasir Road in Barni union was intentionally filled up by a neighbouring villager, identified as Babul Sheikh, allegedly in an attempt to occupy government land. Since then, the area had experienced recurring waterlogging during the rainy season despite repeated appeals to local representatives to resolve the problem.

The issue came to light after a local youth posted a video on Facebook highlighting the waterlogging and the hardships faced by residents. The video caught the attention of MP SM Jilani, who immediately instructed local BNP leaders and activists to take action.

Acting on the MP's directive, BNP and its affiliated organizations conducted a day-long operation on Monday to remove the soil and sand blocking the culvert, restoring the natural drainage system and allowing accumulated water to flow out.

Among those present during the operation were Tungipara Upazila BNP President Sheikh Salahuddin Ahmed, Organizing Secretary Moktar Hossain, Upazila Jubo Dal Member Secretary Aminul Islam, Barni Union BNP President Jahangir Kabir, General Secretary Oliur Rahman Khan, and other local leaders and activists.