Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced that the government will build the Teesta Barrage, following the model of the Padma Barrage project.
Tarique made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon while addressing a rally on the premises of the National Institute for Disaster Management Research and Training at Sataish Chowrasta in Gazipur.
“Insha’Allah, this BNP government will also take up the work of the Teesta Barrage,” the prime minister said. Pointing towards various political parties, he said while others have merely engaged in rhetoric, the BNP has delivered results.
Tarique noted that under the leadership of Disaster Management Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, the BNP carried out programmes regarding the Teesta that no other political party in Bangladesh has ever undertaken.
Explaining the urgency of the Padma Barrage, the prime minister stated that the government recently decided to build the structure in the Rajshahi region to serve the country’s northern and southern parts.
He explained that construction is necessary because water is being diverted across the border, resulting in significantly reduced flow and drying rivers during the lean season.
Tarique further highlighted that the Farakka Dam has caused a gradual decrease in water levels, allowing seawater to intrude into the southern regions. This salinity is damaging the Sundarbans, destroying trees, and leading to the extinction of various animals.
The proposed barrage will allow the country to retain monsoon water for use by the people during the dry season.
Earlier, Tarique laid the foundation stone of the National Institute for Disaster Management Research and Training.
Reflecting on the changing environment, he recalled that during his school days, the weather was much cooler, often requiring sweaters during rehearsals for the 26th March programmes – a sharp contrast to the current rising temperatures.
The prime minister stressed the need to prioritise environmental protection amidst a growing population and shrinking land.
He cited his recent intervention to save approximately 3,000 trees from being felled for a beach road design in Cox’s Bazar, noting that thousands of trees had already been lost to accommodate Rohingya shelters.
Regarding the new institute, Tarique stated its primary goals are to conduct research on climate change and develop strategies to protect lives and assets from disasters such as earthquakes and tidal surges.
He also emphasised the importance of the canal excavation programme for water conservation and agriculture.
“We cannot stop natural disasters, nor do we have the power to control them. However, we can make people aware and conscious,” the prime minister said. He urged the nation to take a pledge to protect resources through awareness to help Bangladesh transition into a developed country.
The event was chaired by Minister for Disaster Management Asadul Habib Dulu.
Other speakers included State Minister M Iqbal Hossain, Secretary Saidur Rahman Khan, and the Director General of the Department of Disaster Management, Rezwanur Rahman. Minister Dulu and Deputy Commissioner Nurul Karim Bhuiyan presented commemorative mementoes to Tarique.
Also in attendance were the Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser, Brigadier General (retd) AKM Shamsul Islam, Member of Parliament Monjurul Karim Rony, Gazipur City Corporation Administrator Shawkat Hossain Sarkar, and other senior government officials.
