Photo: BSS

KURIGRAM, Sept 4, 2026 (BSS) - Severe erosion by the Brahmaputra River has taken a devastating turn in North Kodalkati Bepari Para of Kodalkati Union under Rajibpur upazila of the district, leaving several families homeless and threatening homes and other establishments in the area.

Over the past seven days, at least 15 families have lost their homesteads, while around 10 acres of cropland have been washed away by the river.

According to local sources, the erosion has been continuing along a stretch of nearly 500 metres. The homesteads of 15 local residents have already been completely devoured by the river.

The affected families, having lost their homes and belongings, are now facing an acute shelter crisis.

Masud Ahmed, a Union Parishad (UP) member of the concerned ward, said the homeless families were visiting his house every day seeking shelter. He expressed deep concern over their urgent rehabilitation.

He warned that if immediate measures are not taken to check the erosion, more than 100 homesteads, hundreds of bighas of cropland and several educational institutions, including North Kodalkati Mondal Para Government Primary School, Bepari Para Hafizia Madrasa and Ansar Dealer Para Government Primary School, could be washed away by the river.

Executive Engineer of the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) in Kurigram Rakibul Hasan told BSS that a proposal seeking necessary funds for carrying out emergency protective work in the affected area had been sent to the higher authorities.

He expressed hope that work at the site could begin quickly once the required funds are allocated.