The sudden opening of 109 gates at India's Farakka Barrage has caused the water level of the Padma River to rise abruptly, instilling widespread panic among the riverbank residents.
Fearing an impending flood, these residents are now preoccupied with protecting their homes and possessions.
Local residents along the banks of the Padma River have reported a rapid increase in water levels since Monday (26 August), heightening their anxiety. The release of water from the Farakka Barrage has already led to flooding on the Indian side.
However, Bangladeshi water experts have reassured the public that the water level in the Padma River will remain below the danger mark for the next three days, and there is no significant risk of flooding in Bangladesh.
According to them, the barrage gates are typically opened during the monsoon season, and there is no justification for keeping them closed.
As of 6pm on 26 August, the water level at Rajshahi's Borokuthi point in the Padma River stood at 16.30metres.
Previously, at 6pm on Sunday, 25 August, the water level at Rajshahi's border was recorded at 16.27 centimetres, and at 6pm on Saturday (24 August), it was 16.24 centimetres.
At that time, the water was flowing 1.75 centimetres below the danger level.
The danger level for the Padma River in Rajshahi is set at 18.05 centimetres (measured in SOB units).
According to riverbank residents, India has opened the Farakka Barrage gates due to flooding on its side, resulting in a rapid rise in the Padma River's water level in Rajshahi.
In the Char Khidirpur area, floodwater has already entered, and severe riverbank erosion has begun in Poba, Bagha, and Godagari, causing extreme concern among the local population.
Ashraful Haque, a local farmer from the Char Khidirpur area, expressed his distress: "Our cropland in Char Khidirpur is now completely submerged. I am deeply worried about the destruction of my crops. I am at a loss as to what to do in this situation."
The Northern Region Water Science Measurement Division of the Water Development Board reported that the water level in the Padma River started rising from noon on 25 August and continues to do so.
At the Pankha point in Shibganj Upazila of Chapainawabganj, the water level was recorded at 20.48 metres at 6 AM and 9 AM on Monday, and by 3 PM, it had risen to 20.50 metres. The danger level at the Pankha point is set at 22.05 metres.
At the Borokuthi point near Rajshahi city, the danger level is set at 18.05 metres. At 6am on 26 August, the water level here was 16.27 metres, which rose by one centimetre at 9am. At 3pm and 6pm, the water level at Borokuthi Point was recorded at 16.30 metres, flowing 1.75 metres below the danger level.
Rezaul Karim, executive engineer of the Northern Region Water Science Measurement Division, stated that a ten-day forecast for river water levels is typically provided.
Based on this, there is no risk of the Padma River exceeding the danger level within the next ten days, he added.
However, if the upstream water flow continues, the actual situation of the Padma River and the subsequent conditions can be assessed.
Officials from the Bangladesh Water Development Board have noted that the news of the opening of 109 gates of the Farakka Barrage on 26 August led to renewed criticism on social media.
Concerns were raised that the opening of these gates could put various northern districts of Bangladesh, including Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj, at risk of flooding.
However, experts have assured that the Padma River's water level will remain below the danger level for the next three days, and there is no imminent threat of flooding in Bangladesh. While there is no reason to panic, residents have been advised to remain vigilant.
