, Dec. 10 -- Riverbank erosion has long haunted the people of Koyra, a coastal upazila in Khulna, but this year their fears have intensified.

Despite a massive government project meant to offer lasting protection, irregularities and sluggish progress are raising serious questions about whether the embankments will withstand the next tide.

Experts say climate change, rising tidal pressure and shifts in river flow continue to intensify threats along the Bay of Bengal coast.

The government's long-awaited sustainable embankment project-worth nearly Tk 12,000 crore-initially offered hope to thousands who face erosion every summer and monsoon. But allegations of mismanagement now overshadow the initiative.

Illegal Sand Extraction, Tree Cutt...