Bagerhat Farmers Demand End to Saline Waterlogging

Hundreds of locals formed a human chain in Morelganj upazila on Tuesday (May 19) to demand immediate government intervention against persistent saline waterlogging that is destroying local agriculture.

Organized jointly by the local platform CCRC and the non-governmental organization CCDB, the demonstration took place near the Sannyasi SP Rashidiya Secondary School in Khaulia Union.

Addressing the rally, speakers highlighted the severe plight of farmers in Pasharbunia, Chalitabunia, and Khaulia villages. They explained that saline water from nearby canals continuously floods their farmlands, rotting crops and restricting farmers to a single harvest per year.

To protect their livelihoods, the protesters demanded the immediate construction of protective embankments and sluice gates to block the saltwater intrusion.

Key speakers at the event included CCRC General Secretary Md. Abul Hossain Howlader and Upazila Civil Society Network General Secretary Fazlul Haque Khokon. Following the demonstration, the organizers submitted a formal memorandum detailing their demands to Morelganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Habibullah.