BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan has proposed organising another long march to create public awareness about protecting the people of Bangladesh from the environmental disaster caused by lack of access to river water.
He made the suggestion while addressing a memorial meeting organised to mark the first death anniversary of former International Farakka Committee Chairman Atiqur Rahman Salu on Thursday.
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Speaking as chief guest, Dr. Moyeen said, “There are 54 common rivers to which we do not have due rights. If we cannot remedy this, a disaster will occur—disrupting the livelihood of one-third of the population.”
He emphasised that a solution must be sought not only by Bangladesh but also by the 1.5 billion people in neighboring India, highlighting the friendship between the people of the two countries, which was proven during the Liberation War.
The meeting, chaired by International Farakka Committee Chairman Syed Tipu Sultan and moderated by Coordinator Mostafa Kamal Majumdar, was also addressed by Jatiya Party (Jafar) Chairman Mostafa Jamal Haider, International Farakka Committee Bangladesh President Professor Jasim Uddin Ahmad, Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque, BNP leader and former MP Zahiruddin Swapan, International Farakka Committee Bangladesh Vice President Dr. Nazma Ahmed, prominent businessman FK Md. Emdad Khan, and BFUJ General Secretary Quader Gani Chowdhury, among others.
At the beginning of the program, a report was presented on the life and works of Atiqur Rahman Salu, followed by a prayer for the salvation of his soul.
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Dr. Moyeen Khan praised Salu for his historic contributions, saying, "Atiqur Rahman Salu created history, but did we honour him while he was alive?" He recalled Salu's leadership in organizing the 'Second Farakka Long March' in Chilmari.
Dr. Moyeen described Salu as a patriot, noting his call for the establishment of a democratic Bangladesh and his participation in the Kagmari Conference.
He praised Salu for taking the initiative to prevent environmental harm and highlighted his efforts in advocating for the protection of river water.
Dr. Moyeen also said that the aspiration of the people of Bangladesh is to have free elections every five years.
He expressed concern that the new generation has not been able to experience this democratic right. "If given a choice between wealth and prosperity or freedom, the people will choose freedom first," he said.
He emphasised the importance of unity, stating that it should be unity in diversity, not in the style of the BKSAL regime.
He said that, while the nation has crossed one step toward democracy by removing tyranny, the second step is free elections, which would lead to the formation of a democratic government.
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He also mentioned that the responsibility of transitioning to democracy lies with the Interim Government, urging them to not fail in this duty. "We have three tools—politics, diplomacy, and information and communication technology—that we can use to establish democracy if we use them wisely," he added.
Mostafa Jamal Haider recalled that Atiqur Rahman Salu was the first to speak of an independent democratic Bangladesh. He referenced a meeting held at Paltan Maidan on February 22, 1970, where Salu, along with leaders like Kazi Zafar, Dr. Mahbubullah, and Mostafa Jamal Haider, was sentenced under martial law for their speeches.
Haider also called for the current IFC leadership to build a strong movement for the right to river water, just as Salu had done.
Professor Jasim Uddin Ahmad highlighted Salu's continuous efforts for the sovereignty and independence of Bangladesh until his death. He also discussed the environmental impact on the Sundarbans due to the withdrawal of Ganga water, urging national unity to present Bangladesh's viewpoint in a strong manner on this issue.
Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party, criticized the neglect of Bangladesh's demand for river water over the past 15-16 years, while India's demands have been consistently accepted. He lamented the concessions made to India, such as granting transit rights, while Bangladesh's sovereignty and independence have been compromised. He also mentioned the ongoing border killings and how Bangladesh's interests have been sacrificed to appease India.
Zahiruddin Swapan recalled his political journey alongside Atiqur Rahman Salu, expressing confidence that Salu’s struggle for river water rights would ultimately be successful.