, April 8 -- For generations, people living along the Madhumati River have fought a losing battle against erosion, as entire villages disappeared, homes crumbled into the current and fertile farmlands were consumed by the river's relentless force.

Now, after decades of suffering and appeals, that long-standing nightmare may finally be nearing an end.

The long-sought construction of a permanent embankment along the Madhumati River has officially begun-ushering in a wave of hope, relief and cautious optimism among residents in Faridpur's Alfadanga, Boalmari and Madhukhali upazilas.

The 7.5-kilometre stretch of embankment under construction aims to protect some of the region's most erosion-prone areas. It's a critical intervention in a re...