Understanding River Bank Erosion in Bangladesh

Bangladesh, located in the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, is known for its unique landscapes and strong agricultural sector. Nonetheless, the country's dependence on its river systems presents considerable issues, with riverbank erosion becoming a critical environmental issue. Bangladesh's geographical position, characterized by low-lying floodplains and a convergence of major rivers, makes the country extremely vulnerable to flooding and riverbank erosion. In the monsoon season, rivers expand due to the inflow of upstream water, putting significant pressure on the riverbanks and resulting in extensive erosion. This erosion endangers the livelihoods of the riverside residents and significantly jeopardizes the country's agricultural productivity.

Bangladesh is a country characterized by its many rivers, and the effects of riverbank erosion forced millions to leave their ancestral homes. Annually, riverbank erosion in Bangladesh causes significant death, damage to property and loss of agricultural land. Riverbank erosion in Bangladesh has significant socio-economic consequences that perpetuate national poverty. However, this book seeks to address questions regarding the patterns of risks and vulnerabilities in areas susceptible to riverbank erosion, analyze the impact of riverbank erosion on various forms of livelihood vulnerability, and reveal the government's challenges in managing the risks and vulnerabilities associated with riverbank erosion