Published : 03 Jun 2026, 05:27 PM
Updated : 08 Sep 2026, 09:12 AM
Allegations of filling a canal for road and drain construction have surfaced in Tangail city, raising fears of worsening waterlogging during the rainy season.
The work under the Tangail Municipality project came under scrutiny, as local residents and environmental activists voiced concern over the shrinking waterway at Kagmara–Beradoma.
The municipality’s “Improvement of road starting from west north corner of Beradoma Bridge–Kagmara Lohajang River” project is being implemented at a cost of about Tk 16.5 million, with a 1,350m road constructed by contractor MGI–KSA.
Locals alleged that a canal, once a key drainage channel, has been partially filled for the project, while substandard construction materials are also being used.
Municipal Sub-Assistant Engineer Shamim Al Mamun rejected the allegation, saying laboratory tests were carried out to ensure material quality, and claimed the canal had already been filled before the current project began.
Environmentalists and civil society members warned that narrowing or loss of the canal would disrupt natural drainage and intensify urban flooding.
Residents said the Kagmara–Beradoma canal, once 70ft to 80ft wide in places, is now being replaced by a narrow drain on one side and a 12-foot road on the other, eroding its natural form.
They added that part of the canal had earlier been filled during the previous Awami League government, leaving only a six-foot drain along a 40-foot stretch.
Local residents Shah Alam Fakir and Azizul Qader Babu said the canal once served as a major outlet for rainwater from surrounding areas, especially during the monsoon.
Another resident Shahidul Islam said encroachment and filling have led to frequent waterlogging even after light rain, while accumulated waste in canals has created a foul odour.
Concerns have also been raised over the quality of brick chips used in construction.
Labourer Jahangir Hossain said the issue had been reported to the contractor.
Contractor Nurul Amin, however, said third-grade brick chips were being used in the upper layer of the road to ensure durability.
Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University professor and environmentalist Prof SM Saifullah said Tangail city has 27 canals of varying sizes, many of which have already turned into drains or filled in.
He warned that without restoration, waterlogging and environmental degradation would intensify in the future.
A survey by Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) also identified 27 canals across 18 wards of the city.
Senior research officer Goutam Chandra Chanda said authorities had been repeatedly informed and stressed that government directives and High Court orders exist for protecting rivers, canals and wetlands.
The historic Victoria Canal, locally known as “Shyam Babur Khal”, has also largely turned into a drain, locals alleged.
Tangail Municipality Administrator Sanjoy Kumar Mohanta said he was not aware of canals being turned into drains, adding that action would be taken if irregularities were found after investigation.
Prof Tarun Yusuf, general secretary of the Tangail district unit of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN), said canals not only enhance city aesthetics but also play a crucial role in preventing waterlogging, urging the government to treat the issue seriously.
Tangail Water Development Board Executive Engineer Md Mayn Uddin said lists of canals had been sent to the ministry, and restoration work would begin once approval and funds are received.
