A sluice gate built by Water Development Board (WDB) six month ago at the mouth of Barabhetkhali canal in Mirgang river for draining out water has now turned into a bane for local people. At least 18 villages in Munshiganj and Romjannagar unions in Shyamnagar upazila were flooded yesterday as water entered the areas from Mirgang river through holes created in the embankment of the sluice gate. The water is not receding as the sluice gate is inoperative, locals said. WDB constructed the sluice gate at a cost of Tk 75 lakh