Jamalpur Riverbank Work Halted by Extortion Threats

In Madarganj Upazila, Jamalpur, riverbank protection work along the Jamuna River has come to a complete halt amid extortion threats, raising concerns about worsening river erosion and potential flooding in the approaching monsoon season. Contractors claim that local criminal groups demanded substantial bribes, forcing them to suspend work for safety reasons.

Work Suspended Due to Local Extortion

Residents and project-affiliated sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that before the planned placement of geo-bags to protect the riverbank, a local extortion ring demanded large sums of money from the contractor. The project had commenced on 15 February, but within five days, on 20 February, work stopped entirely. Since then, both the contractor and labourers have abandoned the site.

Seikot Hasan, contractor from Molla Traders, based in Tangail, said:
“We cannot continue work due to repeated extortion demands. Despite being provided access to the site, our operations have remained suspended. This delay is damaging both our business and the community.”

When asked to identify the extortionists, Hasan declined, stating only that the matter involved local criminal actors.

Official Statements

Enamul Haq, Assistant Engineer and Project Officer of the Jamalpur Water Development Board (WDB), confirmed that the contract for riverbank protection in Pakarul village, Charpakerdah Union—covering 50 metres—was awarded to Molla Traders at BDT 4.8 million. He stated:
“The site has been handed over to the contractor, but we are unaware why work has been halted. We advise contacting the contractor for further details.”

Madarganj Upazila Executive Officer, Suman Chowdhury, added:
“Neither the Water Development Board nor the contractor has reached out to local administration for support. This is the first I have heard of the situation.”

Impact of River Erosion

Over the past four years, continuous erosion along a three-kilometre stretch in Pakarul village and surrounding areas has caused extensive damage:

Despite ongoing efforts by the WDB, repeated erosion has persisted, leaving thousands homeless and vulnerable, while flooding risks grow as the monsoon approaches.

Urgent Need for Intervention

Experts warn that halting riverbank protection work not only threatens local livelihoods but also poses a severe risk to regional infrastructure and agriculture. With the monsoon season imminent, residents are urging authorities to provide security for contractors and implement stronger measures to prevent extortion, allowing protective works to resume without delay.

Failure to act could exacerbate the humanitarian and economic toll, undermining years of river management efforts along one of Bangladesh’s most volatile waterways.