Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives Adviser Asif Mahmud speaking at a public hearing in Rangpur on Sunday. Photo: Observer
Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives Adviser Asif Mahmud said on Sunday that the previous government was submissive to India and only took photographs without discussing the Teesta water-sharing issue.
He also affirmed that the interim government is determined to ensure Bangladesh gets its fair share of Teesta's water.
Speaking at a public hearing titled "Actions to be Taken for Teesta" on Sunday afternoon, Asif Mahmud stated that the government is working proactively in foreign policy matters. He emphasized that India must be compelled to come to an agreement on the equitable distribution of Teesta water.
"In the last six months, I have visited Rangpur four times, including two visits to Kaunia. Every time I visited, I heard about the crisis of the Teesta River. The honorable advisor to the Ministry of Water Resources is also present and will listen to your concerns," he added.
Addressing the hardships of the local population, Asif Mahmud said that many crops in the Teesta basin are being destroyed due to water scarcity. He pointed out the lack of cold storage facilities in the region and assured that more cold storage units would be established to prevent post-harvest losses.
Nilphamari resident Abu Said Leon echoed similar concerns, emphasizing that agricultural losses in Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, and Kurigram are devastating each year. "All past talks about Teesta were bogus. What do you plan to do now? We demand transparency."
Lalmonirhat�s Mominul Haque warned, "Teesta has become a death trap for the people of Rangpur region. Past governments deceived the people. The river's condition is as bloated as a fish ready to burst. It destroys everything in its path overnight. Many have fought for Teesta, and today�s hearing is a result of their efforts. No more deception�clear commitments must be made here."
Abdus Salam, a resident of Lalmonirhat, voiced his frustration, saying, "Last time, the autocratic Sheikh Hasina government kept giving us false hopes. We have been deceived for too long. This time, do not betray us again."
He continued, "We have lost our homes, our lands, and our livestock. But no one listens to our cries. We demand justice."
Asif further announced plans to start the construction of a bridge between Kaunia and Lalmonirhat under his tenure. Furthermore, he emphasized the need for educational development and revealed that several libraries would be established to improve literacy rates.
Highlighting the lack of development projects in northern Bangladesh, Asif Mahmud insisted that future projects would include special allocations for the region. He recognized the potential for agricultural industries in the north and urged the Water Resources Advisor to expedite the resolution of the 2011 Teesta water-sharing draft agreement.
Meanwhile, Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Rabiul Faisal, who presided over the hearing, said, "I may be from Rajshahi, but I am working in Rangpur, and I want to see a resolution to the Teesta crisis before my tenure ends. The Teesta River is as crucial to Rangpur as the Hoang Ho River was to China, which transformed from a 'river of sorrow' into a blessing after proper planning. Rangpur's Teesta must undergo the same transformation."
Additional Secretary of Local Government and Rural Development, AKM Tariqul Alam, reiterated, "My river, my water, my right. Who has the authority to take away this right? Youngest advisors Asif Mahmud and Rizwana Bannya are here to ensure justice. Many have pointed out issues regarding the land along the Teesta basin. We recognize these problems and will take swift action to ensure fair water distribution."
The public hearing was attended by leaders of various Teesta movements, activists from the Rangpur equity movement, political representatives, thousands of Teesta basin residents, and members of the media.
