BHRF Extends Relief Support to Flood Victims and Recommends Measures

The Bangladesh Human Rights Foundation (BHRF), one of the largest human rights organizations in Bangladesh, has recently extended support to flood-affected communities in Banshkhali’s Baharchhara Union by providing essential relief materials to affected families.

As part of its humanitarian initiative, BHRF members distributed essential daily necessities to around 350 flood-affected families across Banshkhali. The organization acknowledged the efforts and dedication of its volunteers and supporters who helped deliver aid to affected communities.

Alongside its relief activities, BHRF conducted a field assessment to understand the reasons behind the 2026 flooding and waterlogging in Banshkhali, Baharchhara Union, and nearby areas. Based on the assessment, the organization prepared and published a field human rights report highlighting the major factors behind the worsening flood situation.

The report, prepared by human rights activists Advocate K. M. Shantanu Chowdhury and Captain Saikat Mohammad Rifat, residents of Baharchhara Union, stated that excessive rainfall, along with disruptions to natural water flow, played a major role in the flooding. The report also identified issues such as canal encroachment, poor maintenance of sluice gates, sediment build up from upstream hills, reduced capacity of connecting canals, and unplanned settlements as key challenges affecting the area's drainage system.

The report further noted that the filling of river channels and construction of barriers for fish farming projects have also contributed to prolonged waterlogging in the region.

Based on the findings, BHRF recommended restoring and clearing canals, improving existing sluice gate systems, ensuring proper drainage of rainwater from the hills, removing illegal canal encroachments, and introducing stronger measures to prevent unplanned construction in flood-prone areas.
BHRF emphasized that coordinated action from relevant authorities is necessary to restore natural water flow, improve flood management, and protect the lives and livelihoods of communities living in vulnerable areas.