As winter approaches, residents of Ulipur in Kurigram are facing severe river erosion along the Brahmaputra, spurred by falling water levels. Over the past month, a 2.5km stretch from Habiganj to Khearchor in Sahiber Alga union has been heavily impacted, leaving many homeless.

The erosion has devastated over 900 acres of arable land and destroyed around 300 homes. Numerous vital institutions are now at risk, including Namaz Char Police Investigation Center, Namaz Char College, Gendar Alga School and College, Sahiber Alga Government Primary School, Uttar Namaz Char Community Clinic, and local madrasas.

Erika Khatun, a 12-year-old student of Gendar Alga School and College, voiced her fears, noting how many families in her community have lost their homes. "The river is still eroding," she said. "Our school is under threat; if it collapses, where will we study?"

Upazila Chairman Mozaffar Hossain remarked on the relentless erosion despite declining water levels in the Brahmaputra. He highlighted the challenges faced by local residents, with agricultural land and homes being washed away, and noted that while he has reported the situation to the Water Development Board and other officials, concrete action has yet to materialize.

Rakibul Hasan, Executive Engineer of the Kurigram Water Development Board, acknowledged the erosion but confirmed that there are currently no funds allocated for immediate control efforts. He added that work will begin as soon as funding is secured.