Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain has said that international pressure will be applied on India, if necessary, to ensure that Bangladesh receives its rightful share of water from the Teesta River.
Speaking at a public hearing on the Teesta issue near the Teesta Railway Bridge in Kaunia Upazila, Rangpur District on Sunday, Asif highlighted the government's determination to pursue the matter with a firm stance.
“Unlike previous administrations, this interim government will not adopt a submissive approach but will engage with India on an equal footing to ensure a fair distribution of Teesta water for the people of this region,” he asserted.
The public hearing also saw the participation of Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, who echoed similar concerns regarding the river’s management.
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Asif, who also serves as an Adviser to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, assured the public that the Teesta Masterplan project, which is vital for the sustainable management of the river, would be finalised within the tenure of the interim government.
He also spoke about several initiatives aimed at improving the northern region, including the construction of educational institutions on the Teesta char (shoals) based on local demand.
Asif revealed plans to establish cold storage facilities to preserve agricultural products and revive sugar mills to promote agro-based industries.
He mentioned that a survey was conducted for a 1,400-metre bridge linking Pirgachha and Chilmari, which is expected to be inaugurated during the current government's tenure.
Speaking as the chief guest at the event, Syeda Rizwana Hasan emphasised the importance of collaboration between India and Bangladesh on the Teesta issue.
She insisted that India must inform Bangladesh before releasing water from the Teesta dam, as it is an international river with shared rights.
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Rizwana also highlighted that the Teesta Masterplan project with China is expected to be completed by December 2026.
Besides, a 45-kilometre riverbank protection project to prevent erosion in the region is set to commence next week, she added.