Zakir Hossain, Pirojpur Correspondent: A nearly one-kilometer embankment has been reconstructed through voluntary labor with the support of local brickfield owners in Kholpotua village under Zianagar upazila in Pirojpur. The embankment, which has long borne the scars of cyclones Sidr and Aila, is considered the only protection for thousands of residents, safeguarding both transportation routes and agricultural land.According to local sources, the embankment is frequently damaged during cyclones and tidal surges due to the area’s proximity to the Bay of Bengal. As a result, saline seawater often floods vast areas of farmland, severely disrupting agricultural activities and causing immense suffering for local residents over the years.The reconstruction work was supported by Messrs Shahnaz Bricks Industries, Messrs Arwan Bricks Industries, and Messrs Bhai Bhai Bricks Industries. Local laborers participated in the rebuilding work voluntarily throughout the day.Local resident Khalek Matubbar said, “Saline seawater flooded our area, and we could not cultivate crops for nearly a year. Now that the embankment has been rebuilt, we hope to resume farming again.”Another resident, Alauddin, said, “This embankment was our only means of communication. After it collapsed, transporting patients and moving around became extremely difficult. Now normal communication can resume again.”Local farmer Jalis Mahmud said, “Agriculture is our main source of livelihood. Because the embankment was damaged, many of us became unemployed. Rebuilding it has given us new hope for survival.”Residents said that instead of waiting for government assistance, the embankment was rebuilt through the combined efforts of brickfield owners and local workers. The initiative has not only restored communication for residents but also created new hope for protecting agricultural land. Locals have also called for permanent government measures to ensure the sustainable repair and maintenance of the embankment.