S.M Osman Goni, From Satkhira
The traditional Aiburi River, which flows through Munshiganj and Ishwaripur unions of Shyamnagar upazila in Satkhira, is dying today. Due to the loss of navigability of the river, about 20,000 bighas of agricultural land are in crisis and about 700 families on both banks of the river are facing uncertainty of livelihood.
According to local sources, about 75 percent of the people of these two agricultural unions are directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture. Paddy, vegetables and shrimp are cultivated on about 6,000 bighas of land in West Jelekhali and Kachukhali villages of Munshiganj union and about 14,000 bighas of land in Dhumghat and South Sriphalkati of Ishwaripur union. The Aiburi River, which flows through these areas, was the main source of agricultural irrigation and livelihood.
The river originates from the Horinagar Bazar sluice gate of Munshiganj Union and enters the Dhumghat area of Ishwaripur Union. Once, the river had regular flow, and a lot of native fish were found. According to the locals, boats were one of the means of transportation on the river; festivals like boat races were also organized. But now the river has turned into a narrow canal. In the dry season, there is not even enough water for ducks to feed in the river.
In this situation, a human chain was held at Dhumghat Hatkhola arrange by Green Coalition & BARCIK , the famous capital of King Pratapaditya of Ishwaripur, on Wednesday (February 25, 2026) at 10:30 am to demand protection and re-excavation of the river. The human chain was presided over by M. Zillur Rahman, President of Ishwaripur Union Green Coalition.
It is alleged that the normal flow is being obstructed due to the construction of dams in different parts of the river with illegal nets. As a result, silt has accumulated in the river and the navigability has decreased. Due to disruption of water drainage during the monsoon season, waterlogging occurs in the villages on both banks. This is disrupting agricultural production and the common people are facing extreme suffering.
Former UP member of Ishwaripur Union Birendra Nath Biswas, President of Projanmo Raktadan Sangstha Ahmed Raju, President of S.D Milan Sangha Md. Sharif Hossain, General Secretary Sadhan Kumar Paramanno of Jelekhali Bhai Bhai Sangha, Alpana Rani Mistry of Shapla Nari Unnayan Sanghathan, Suman Hossain of Saimum Jubo Sangha, Madhudyuti Mondal and others spoke at the human chain led by Dr. Jogesh Mondal, President of Munshiganj Green Coalition.
President of Sundarban Press Club Md. Belal Hossain and several journalists participated in the human chain in solidarity. Local farmers said that both irrigation and water drainage are critical due to the cessation of the normal flow of the river. They fear that if urgent measures are not taken, the agricultural economy will be further disrupted.
The agitators said that the government’s initiative to re-drain the Aiburi River, remove illegal encroachments and restore the normal flow of the tides is the need of the hour. According to the locals, if the river is not restored, agriculture, livelihoods and the environment will all be under threat. Therefore, the locals have strongly demanded that the concerned authorities take immediate and effective action.
