Lakshmipur char residents seek development board to secure their future

A strong demand is growing for the formation of a separate char development board to ensure the planned development of the country’s vast char regions, including the coastal upazilas of Ramgati and Kamalnagar in Lakshmipur.

Local public representatives, civil society leaders and social activists said millions of people living in char areas continue to suffer from river erosion, poor communication networks, inadequate healthcare and education facilities, and limited employment opportunities despite the regions' immense agricultural, fisheries and tourism potential.

They argued that a dedicated board is needed to implement an integrated long-term development plan, allocate separate budgets and coordinate efforts to address the unique challenges facing char communities across the country.

According to locals, nearly one crore people live in char areas spread across 100 upazilas in 32 districts, yet the regions remain deprived of basic services and infrastructure. Residents frequently lose homes and livelihoods to river erosion and natural disasters, forcing many to rebuild their lives repeatedly.

Those concerned believe a Char Development Board could play a key role in erosion control, construction of sustainable infrastructure, modernisation of agriculture and fisheries, development of tourism, employment generation and disaster management.

Mizanur Rahman Manik, president of Kamalnagar upazila unit of Sushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Sujan), and its general secretary Prof Belal Hossain Jewel said char residents continue to face high levels of poverty and deprivation, while education, healthcare and housing facilities remain inadequate.

Chargazi Union Parishad Chairman Tohidul Islam Sumon noted that while separate development authorities exist for hill tracts and haor regions, no such institution has been established for char areas despite their large population.

Kamalnagar Press Club President MA Majid said proper river management and sustainable infrastructure could transform the char region into a new economic hub, given its vast grazing lands and rich fish resources.

In 2015, during a national char convention, a 14-point proposal for char development was submitted to the then Deputy Speaker, who supported the idea of establishing a dedicated ministry or board for char affairs. Since then, various campaigns and public movements, particularly in Kurigram, have strengthened calls for a separate institution.

According to the local administration, Ramgati and Kamalnagar alone have around 200 large and small chars with a population exceeding 100,000. Lakshmipur and Noakhali together are home to nearly 1,000 chars.

Leaders of social organisations said the contribution of char areas to the national economy is increasing steadily through agriculture, livestock, fisheries and tourism. They stressed that a long-term master plan and a dedicated development authority are essential to fully harness this potential.

Lakshmipur-4 MP ABM Ashraf Uddin Nizan said the government is committed to ensuring equal development opportunities for all communities and acknowledged the importance of bringing char areas under comprehensive national planning.

Residents expressed hope that the government would take steps to establish a char development board, which they see as essential for ending decades of neglect and integrating char communities into the country's development mainstream.