Lalmonirhat: Secretary General of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today asserted that India must provide Bangladesh with its due share of Teesta water if it aspires to maintain a friendly relationship with the country. Addressing a rally named ‘Teesta River Protection Movement’ at the Teesta Rail Bridge point in Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila, Fakhrul emphasized the necessity of mutual respect and rightful water distribution for sustaining amicable ties.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the rally was organized as part of a 48-hour continuous program under the slogan ‘Jago Bahe Teesta Banchai’ at 11 points across five districts along the Teesta river bank. The Chief Coordinator of the movement, Principal Asadul Habib Dulu, chaired the function, highlighting the demands for a fair share of Teesta water and the execution of the Teesta Mega Plan.
Fakhrul criticized India for not providing the rightful share of Teesta water while simultaneously offering refuge to adversaries in New Delhi. He declared the current struggle as one of life and death for the people of the region, vowing not to relent until victory is achieved. Fakhrul urged the interim government to voice the demand for fair water distribution to India, stressing the historical continuity of this demand since the Pakistani era.
Highlighting the Awami League’s failure to secure Teesta water despite its long-standing relationship with India, Fakhrul accused the government of selling out the country’s interests over the past 15 years. He also pointed out that India has constructed upstream dams on all 54 common international rivers, affecting water flow and local livelihoods in Bangladesh.
Fakhrul called for early elections to establish peace and stability in the country, arguing that the return of people’s government through elections would restore tranquility. He praised Principal Asadul Habib Dulu for mobilizing the people of five districts along the Teesta River with the call ‘Jago Bahe Teesta Bachai,’ drawing parallels with Moulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani’s historic Farakka March.
Emphasizing the critical importance of the struggle for Teesta water, Fakhrul detailed the adverse effects of India’s dam operations, which lead to flooding or drying up of areas, causing endless suffering for the local population. He urged unity in the fight for water rights, rallying the people with the call to action ‘Jago Bahe Teesta Bachai.’
The rally was attended by several BNP leaders and representatives from various political entities. Similar programs were held simultaneously at 10 other points along the Teesta river, featuring addresses from prominent political figures and cultural performances that attracted large crowds, turning the events into festive gatherings in greater Rangpur.