People of 3 chars in Char Fasson struggle to survive

Char Fasson Upazila of coastal district Bhola is a disaster-prone area. In particular, thousands of families in Dhalchar, Char Kukri Mukri and Mujibnagar unions of the upazila have to constantly struggle against natural disasters to survive.

It is known that about 23,000 people live in 27 villages of these 3 unions. Agricultural work and fishing in the rivers are the main occupations of the residents there. Especially during the disaster season, rivers take on a dangerous form. As a result, it becomes very difficult to travel to all those areas. Except Dhalchar Union, there is one cyclone shelter each in Char Kukri Mukri and Mujibnagar unions. There is no fort for cattle. As a result, they struggle to survive during disaster seasons.

Dhalchar Island is known as a cyclone-prone area. Houses often collapse here, crops are submerged in water. River erosion happens regularly in Char Kukri Mukri, which is an area full of natural beauty. Many families are forced to move elsewhere after losing their homes.

However, despite these adversities, the people here have not given up. They are trying to survive by building high-rise houses or building shelters themselves locally. Some local youth are working as volunteers before and after the disaster.

Kamal, a resident of Dhalchar, said, “We have been living in this area since our ancestors. I’m a fisherman by profession. Every year during the monsoon season, we have to struggle to survive amidst the disastrous weather. Because when the disaster starts, there are huge waves in the river. Due to this, we cannot reach the mainland. As there are no cyclone shelter for us and fort for cattle, we have to face great danger.”

A Rahim, a resident of Char Kukri Mukri Union, said, “I have to support my family of 5 by working in agriculture. I raise more than 10 cattle. During the cyclone that occurs every year, my cattle are swept away by the tidal water and the houses are destroyed. I rebuild the houses to survive. This is how his life goes on.”

Char Fasson Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rasna Sharmin Mithi said, “Char Kukri Mukri, Dhalchar and Mujibnagar unions are geographically very risky. Every year when the disaster season comes, the people here have to fight with nature to survive. On behalf of the administration, we are working to deal with the disaster with all-out preparations in these areas.”