A dam built across Baro Kathalia canal in Kathalia upazila under the district about eight years ago remains a nuisance for locals, especially farmers and fishermen.

Locals alleged that a few local musclemen with the help of Kathalia Sadar union parishad (UP) Chairman Kibria Shikder built the dam to get allotment under the government's test relief programme and monopolise fishing there. 

"The dam in the canal affects agriculture in the area. Earlier engine boats plied the canal but it has lost navigability after creation of the dam. A couple of years ago, we filed a case and cut off the dam but the powerful men rebuilt it," said Ali Akbar Farajee, a farmer of the area. 

"I want to sell some wood for arranging some money for my child's education but the buyers are offering me less price, saying that they have to bear additional cost to carry their wood over the dam," said Tutul, a local.

"Before construction of the dam we caught fish in the canal. But now, only men of UP Chairman Kibria Shikder and his brother Kabir Shikder catch fish there, preventing others from doing it," said a local fisherman seeking anonymity.  

"This dam affects agriculture as floodwater that brings fertility to the land cannot reach there. The area also sees waterlogging in the rainy season," said Abdullah Al Mamun, agriculture officer of Kathalia.

"Fishes cannot move freely and breed well due to the dam in the canal," said Md Khalequzzaman, fisheries officer of Kathalia.

"Making any dam across a canal to impede the water flow is illegal. I will take steps to remove the barrier soon," said ABM Sadikur Rahman, UNO (in charge) of Kathalia.

Contacted, Kibria Shikder, UP chairman of Kathalia Sadar, said, "I supported building of the dam for public interest as the canal hampered agriculture. My brother Kabir along with some locals may catch fish in the canal but I will cut the dam very soon."