Haor floods submerged lives, not just land: Fazlur Rahman
“This is not just a story of submerged land; it is a story of submerged lives” said Member of Parliament from Kishoreganj-4 and valiant freedom fighter Advocate Fazlur Rahman.
By the cruel irony of fate, the vast haor plains that only days ago shimmered with golden waves of ripe paddy now lie silent under stagnant water, filled only with the tears of farmers.
Fields that once sang songs of life now stand as silent elegies of loss. The farmers are left speechless their silence, their sighs, and their heart-wrenching cries speak louder than words. Advocate Fazlur Rahman said that when natural disasters strike, they do not merely leave visible destruction; they carve lasting scars deep within people’s hearts.
This year’s flood stands as a stark and painful reflection of that reality. It has not only submerged croplands but has also taken away the dreams nurtured by the sweat and toil of thousands of farmers their hopes, aspirations, and their last means of survival.
Yet, even in this harsh reality, he refused to give in to despair. With firm conviction, he said, “This disaster cannot break our spirit. The farmers of this country have faced nature’s fury time and again, yet they have never stopped, never surrendered. Farmers are the lifeblood of this nation; it is their labor and sweat that build our economy and sustain our lives.”
He further added, “Today they are shattered, but this devastation is not permanent. Their resilience, relentless hard work, and unbreakable bond with the soil will give them the strength to rise again. If we all stand beside them and share their burden, these haors will once again be filled with golden harvests, and smiles will return to the faces of farmers.”
His words are not merely statements; they are a source of comfort for the helpless people of the haor region a ray of hope guiding them forward through darkness.
He made these remarks while visiting the vast haor areas of Mithamain and Ashtagram upazilas on Friday (May 1) and Saturday (May 2).
Across the endless haor landscape, where just days ago golden paddy swayed in the breeze, there is now only still, silent water. The once vibrant fields lie motionless beneath the water like a lifeless expanse. The submerged crops seem to silently mourn, reflecting the broken dreams of farmers.
Fields that once echoed with the laughter of farmers, and symbolized their only hope for the year, have now become the very source of their sorrow. There is no sign of life across the haor only grief, sighs, and overwhelming emptiness. The sparkle of hope has vanished from the farmers’ eyes, replaced by tears and deep uncertainty.
Many farmers were seen standing silently at the water’s edge, staring at their submerged crops. They said nothing, yet their silence spoke volumes. Some could not hold back their tears, saying in broken voices, “This paddy was everything to us how will we survive now?”
This scene is not limited to one area; it is a tragic reflection of the suffering, pain, and helplessness of the entire haor region of Kishoreganj a place where people may lose to nature again and again, yet never give up the fight for survival.
During the visit, some farmers were seen standing knee-deep in water, quietly weeping, while others stared blankly at their ruined fields. Many said, “This crop was our only support for the entire year; it sustained our families.” But in a moment, that support collapsed under nature’s cruel blow. With heavy hearts, many farmers said they have nothing left.
He called upon the people of the country and the international community, saying, “Please come forward. The helpless people of the haor region are in desperate need of support. Such a devastating disaster has not occurred in many years almost all crops have gone under water. Standing beside them is now our moral duty.”
Assuring the affected farmers, he added that the government has already taken necessary initiatives. “The Prime Minister has announced in Parliament that at least three months of special incentives will be provided to the affected farmers. I am personally visiting every area and coordinating with the administration to ensure swift assistance. Together we will overcome this difficult time.”
During the visit, his spouse and former vice president of the district BNP, Umme Kulsum Rekha, district Krishak Dal convener Advocate Mazharul Islam, local political leaders, and numerous affected farmers were present.
