The adverse effects of the Farakka Barrage are being felt not only in Bangladesh but also in India, with many politicians across the border demanding its demolition, Prime Minister’s Political Affairs Adviser and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said on Saturday.
Speaking at a discussion meeting organised by BNP to mark Farakka Long March Day at the Engineers Institution auditorium in the capital, Rizvi said the negative impact of the barrage is evident in both countries.
BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said at the meeting that alongside water and environmental problems, communalism is also increasing at an alarming rate.
“Steps need to be taken to control the spread of extreme communalism,” he said, alleging that the West Bengal chief minister is inciting communal tensions.
“We will not quarrel with our neighbour, but we cannot be kept shackled in chains of slavery either,” Roy added.
BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu noted that the Farakka agreement will expire in December this year, creating an opportunity to solve the water-sharing problem through renewal.
Water expert Ainun Nishat praised the government’s initiative to construct the Padma Barrage, saying it has established the country’s legal rights, though it may take 20 to 30 years to fully reap its benefits.
Regarding the Ganges agreement, he said a long-term and permanent pact is needed this time, not a short-term one. He also advised increasing effective communication with neighbouring countries to ensure adequate water flow into Bangladesh.
Due to India unilaterally withdrawing Ganges water through the Farakka Barrage, the environment and agriculture of Bangladesh’s north-western region have been severely affected. Protests have been ongoing for a long time demanding a fair share of water.
The historic Farakka Long March was held on 16 May 1976, under the leadership of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani to demand the fair distribution of Ganges water. The program is still considered important and inspiring in securing Bangladesh’s water rights.
