Engulfed by water

For Shahina, each move brings new hardships. "It is even more difficult for women and adolescent girls," she said. "We have to find dry ground, cook, take care of children — and there is no privacy or safety."

On Kheyar Alga Char, about 300 families have managed to stay put for three years after local groups installed geobags — large sand-filled sacks that strengthen riverbanks against erosion.

"Geobags have made a huge difference," said Johurul Islam, 39, who lost his home more than 10 times before settling here. "For the last three years, the river didn't take our land. For the first time, I feel a little confident about the future."