BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman announced on Tuesday that if the BNP comes to power, it will seek the United Nations' intervention to secure Bangladesh's fair share of Teesta River water and implement the Teesta Master Plan.
He criticized the Awami League government for failing to address the issue, which has led to severe water scarcity and desertification in the northern regions of the country.
Speaking virtually at the closing ceremony of a 48-hour public rally organized by the Teesta River Protection Movement, Rahman stated, "The Awami League government has failed to secure our rightful share of Teesta water from India, turning the riverbanks in the northern region into a desert. The people of this region are suffering, and we will not let this continue."
He emphasized that Bangladesh shares 54 rivers with India, and securing a fair share of Teesta water is not a matter of charity but a right under international law. "This is what Bangladesh deserves, and this is what the people of Bangladesh demand. Yet, today, we are forced to protest for our rightful share of water from an international river," Rahman added.
Rahman also took aim at Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing her of prioritizing India's interests over Bangladesh's. "The leader who fled to India on August 5 always claimed that India would never forget her contributions. Today, India has not forgotten her, but it has maintained relations with Sheikh Hasina, not with Bangladesh," he said.
Highlighting the broader issue of water rights, Rahman pointed out that Bangladesh has been deprived of its fair share of water from the Farakka Barrage for over 50 years. He also noted that the Teesta and other rivers have become silted, causing frequent floods and significant agricultural and property losses. "The River Commission has been ineffective for 16 years, serving the interests of our neighboring country rather than our own," he said.
Rahman reiterated the BNP's commitment to maintaining good relations with neighboring countries but stressed that such relations must be based on mutual respect and fairness. "If India does not grant us our rightful share of water, we will explore alternative solutions and take our case to the United Nations with the support of the people," he declared.
The Teesta River Protection Movement organized the two-day rally at 11 locations along the Teesta River in Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Rangpur, Kurigram, and Gaibandha districts. The event saw massive participation, with thousands of people joining to demand the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan. BNP Organizing Secretary Asadul Habib Dulu served as the main coordinator of the rallies.
The programme was inaugurated on Monday by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Several prominent BNP leaders, including Standing Committee members Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, as well as leaders from other political parties, participated in the event at various locations.
