Shahmun Nakib, Estiak Ahmed, H. M. Rayhanul Islam, Fatima Khatun and Md. Abdul Baten
Abstract
Modhumoti River is an important socioeconomic and ecological resource for the people of Kalna region. Thus, it is important to observe the water parameters in the river and its impacts on the community. The study aimed to evaluate the socioeconomic status of the rural community near Kalna Ferry Terminal in Gopalganj district, covering area along the Modhumoti River. A total of 100 participants were selected, with 25 households sampled randomly from each kilometer. Key areas of investigation included religious affiliation, age distribution, education levels, access to drinking water and healthcare, housing quality, sanitation, monthly income, and species diversity in the region. In the research region, 91% of families are Muslim, and 9% are Hindu. Regarding education, over 13% of homeowners hold graduate degrees, 15% have higher secondary education, 42% have secondary education, 32% have primary education, and 13% are literate enough to sign only. Families with 4–6 members account for 61%, 20% are large, and 19% are small. Livelihoods are sustained through local businesses (25%), agriculture (16%), government and private jobs (20%), and fishing (10%). Monthly incomes show 18% earning below 10,000 Taka, 66% between 10,000–20,000 Taka, 12% between 20,001–30,000 Taka, and 4% above 30,000 Taka. For healthcare, 55% rely on village doctors, 16% use upazila health complexes, and 29% go to zilla hospitals. The Modhumoti River’s aquatic parameters analyzed at five stations from Bhatiapara Bazar to Char Jajira. The findings revealed an average pH of 7.54, TDS at 223 ppm, EC at 0.216 mS/cm, and salinity at 0.1 ppt. Improving the socioeconomic standard and protecting the aquatic habitat of the Modhumoti River, in the Kalna region should require developments in education, sanitation, healthcare, and resource conservation.
Keywords: Housing; Livelihood; Rural Community; Sanitation; Socioeconomic.