Fifteen homes built at Kanchithal village in Shibganj upazila of Bogra under the Ashrayan project have remained abandoned. The beneficiaries gradually left the houses over the past year, leaving them unused.
As the families now live elsewhere, bushes and wild vegetation have overgrown the surroundings of the abandoned houses. After dusk, the area reportedly turns into a den of drug users, creating a sense of insecurity among the remaining residents.
According to local sources, a total of 27 houses were constructed under the Ashrayan project at
Kanchithal village for 27 families. After allocation, all the houses were initially occupied. Currently, only 12 houses are inhabited, while the remaining 15 lie vacant.
The exact reasons why the beneficiaries abandoned the houses and where they have gone could not be confirmed. However, other residents of the Ashrayan project and nearby locals said that some families have returned to their original villages, while others are living in Dhaka, engaged in various professions. As there are no income-generating opportunities at the Ashrayan project site, many families moved elsewhere. In addition, some beneficiaries reportedly have their own houses, making these shelters unnecessary for them.
Due to the prolonged abandonment, the houses are becoming overgrown with bushes. In the evenings, drug users allegedly take over the premises, leaving the remaining residents feeling unsafe. Lack of maintenance has also caused cracks in several houses, while doors and windows have become rusty. Locals fear that doors and windows could be stolen at any time. As none of the 15 beneficiary families are currently present, their statements could not be obtained.
Atmul Union Parishad Chairman Jahurul Islam said he was not aware that 15 houses of the Ashrayan Project in Kanchithal village were lying abandoned. He said he would visit the site and inform the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO).
Regarding the issue, Shibganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ziaur Rahman said that the matter would be discussed with the local union chairman and a decision would then be taken regarding the abandoned houses.
