In response to the growing flood crisis in Feni, the government has announced a Tk 7,000 crore project to construct embankments along the Muhuri River. Faruq-e-Azam, Advisor to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, revealed the initiative during a visit to the flood-hit areas of Fulgazi upazila on Saturday morning. The project, which will be implemented by the Ministry of Water Resources, is aimed at delivering a long-term solution to the district’s recurring flood problems.
Speaking to reporters while inspecting damaged portions of the river’s embankment, Faruq-e-Azam stated that appropriate and timely measures will be taken to control flooding in the region. He emphasized that this is a large-scale project requiring skilled technical execution and sustained oversight. According to him, this initiative, once completed, will significantly reduce the flood risk in Feni and bring lasting relief to residents who face water-related disasters almost every year.
He also noted that the challenges posed by the recent floods are part of a broader climate crisis, which is affecting many parts of the world. Describing the situation as a consequence of global climate change, he said natural calamities like these are not within human control, but proactive government action is underway to reduce their impact. He pointed out that it is impossible to fight nature, but with proper planning and technical support, the government can help mitigate its damage.
During the visit, the advisor shared that discussions are ongoing regarding the possible involvement of the Bangladesh Army in constructing the embankment. He said the work on the flood-control embankments for the Muhuri, Kohua, and Silonia rivers must be considered a national priority. The government will only entrust this critical task to parties who demonstrate the highest level of expertise, as repeating such a large-scale project due to errors would not be viable.
Faruq-e-Azam visited shelters at Munshirhat Ali Azam School and College and Azmiri Begum High School, where he spoke with displaced residents. He was joined by key government officials including Disaster Management and Relief Secretary Mostafizur Rahman, Feni Deputy Commissioner Saiful Islam, Superintendent of Police Habibur Rahman, Water Development Board Executive Engineer Akhtar Hossain Majumder, and several local administration leaders.
However, the advisor’s planned visit to Parshuram upazila had to be canceled due to submerged roads. Parshuram, the worst-affected area and believed to be the origin point of the flooding, remains cut off from the district headquarters. Local residents expressed disappointment over his absence, saying their hopes of voicing their grievances directly were dashed.
Md. Mamun Uddin, a resident of Kalikapur village in Parshuram, said that people in the upazila are still reeling from last year’s floods and that the new deluge has left them devastated again. He added that the lack of access to the area has worsened their suffering and that many affected families were eagerly waiting for relief and government attention. A ministry official confirmed that road conditions made it impossible for the advisor to reach Parshuram safely.
The government, however, has assured that the concerns raised by flood victims during this visit will be tabled in the upcoming advisory council meeting. Authorities also emphasized that this proposed mega project will be executed with transparency, efficiency, and urgency to ensure Feni sees lasting protection against future flood disasters.