Eid-ul-Azha this year will hardly bring any joy for about two lakh people in the Teesta and Dharla river basin char (landmass emerging from the riverbed) areas in five upazilas of the district, as they cannot buy new dresses, let alone sacrificial cattle, due to the damage caused by the recent flood and river erosion.

The people of the Teesta and Dharla river basin areas said they cannot afford to buy anything beyond their basic needs under the present circumstance as they have lost their homesteads, croplands and domestic animals in the floods and erosions.

Several people talking to this correspondent said they are waiting for help from the government and non-government organisations to observe Eid-ul-Azha. If they don't get any help from any corner, they will not be able to feel the joy of Eid.

Flood hit Julekha Bewa, 65, of Char Kalmati village under Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila, said Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) rice was distributed on the occasion of Eid, but she did not get her share because the union parishad chairman and members distributed the rice among their people.

"We have lost our croplands and homesteads due to flood and erosion, and we are being deprived of government relief. We will not be able to purchase new clothes or even food during the Eid, so Eid will not bring joy to us," she added.

District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Idris Ali said they have already distributed one lakh VGF cards among vulnerable families in 45 unions and two municipalities under five upazilas in the district. Each VGF card holder got 10 kg of rice, he said, adding that they have no special programme only for char people.