Mathbaria, Sept 16 (V7N) – A long-running waterlogging problem in Badura village of Mirukhali Union in Mathbaria upazila of Pirojpur district has finally seen visible progress, after a dam that had caused severe hardship for local residents for nearly five years was removed on Tuesday morning, September 15, 2026.

The dam, located near Badura Women's Madrasa, was cut open, allowing stagnant water from the long-waterlogged areas to begin draining rapidly. The development has brought considerable relief to local residents.

According to local sources, the dam built across the Dogna and Bhuta canals in Badura village had obstructed the natural flow of water for years. The canals are connected to the Bishkhali and Baleshwar rivers, and the disruption of water flow had caused extensive waterlogging across the area.

The prolonged waterlogging left agricultural land uncultivated and affected homes, roads and the normal daily lives of residents. It also had a negative impact on the local economy and environment.

Local residents had been demanding the removal of the dam and a permanent solution to the waterlogging problem for nearly five years. The Mathbaria Journalists' Community and Mathbaria Press Club organised protests, human chains and other programmes over the issue.

The matter was also raised with the upazila administration, various government departments, elected representatives and political leaders.

At the same time, newspapers, television and online media outlets, as well as social media platforms, repeatedly highlighted the problem. Investigative reports and articles by journalists helped bring the long-standing public suffering to the attention of the administration and relevant authorities.

The campaign, however, faced various obstacles. Activists alleged that pressure from influential quarters and other forms of obstruction delayed a solution for years.

Those involved in the campaign also alleged that journalists and activists who raised the issue in the public interest were discouraged, subjected to verbal abuse and, on several occasions, threatened with death. Despite these difficulties, they continued to demand an end to the suffering of local residents.

Campaigners said their efforts were not driven by personal interests or gains but by the demand to restore normal life, ensure the natural flow of water and protect the livelihoods and rights of farmers, workers and ordinary residents.

Following the removal of the dam, residents expressed relief and hope that the remaining problems would be resolved quickly and that normal water flow would be permanently restored.

They also urged the administration to take effective measures to prevent any illegal obstruction from being created again in the future.

Those involved in the movement expressed gratitude to Pirojpur-3 (Mathbaria) MP Alhaj Ruhul Amin Dulal, District Commissioner Md Abu Saeed, K. M. Humayun Kabir, a member of the convening committee of Mathbaria Upazila BNP and a member of the district BNP, as well as the administration, elected representatives, journalists, civil society members and people from various professions for their cooperation.

The five-year-long campaign has once again demonstrated that persistent and united efforts to raise legitimate public grievances can create a path toward change.

A pen may not be able to cut through a dam in a day, but it can amplify the voices of people, draw the attention of authorities and help lay the foundation for change in the public interest.

District Commissioner Abu Saeed said necessary measures would be taken regarding the issue.

For the people of Badura, the removal of the dam is therefore more than the dismantling of a physical obstruction. It represents a visible victory in their long struggle against prolonged public suffering and for the restoration of their normal lives.

END/MRS/SMA/