The ongoing movement demanding implementation of the Teesta Master Plan is gaining momentum as the Teesta River Protection Movement Committee has announced a “Silent Rangpur (Stabdha Rangpur)” campaign, across five districts of the Rangpur division, on October 30.
The campaign, scheduled for 11:00 am Thursday, will see people from all walks of life—including teachers, students, farmers, traders, transport workers, and government officials, pause their work for 15 minutes and stand silently wherever they are, in solidarity with the demand for the Teesta’s restoration.
Drivers of all vehicles—motorcycles, bicycles, trucks, buses, and trains—will also halt for 15 minutes, while teachers will suspend classes and students will stop activities during this time.
Former state minister and BNP leader Principal Asadul Habib Dulu, also the chief coordinator of the Teesta River Protection Movement, made the announcement, calling on citizens across the northern region to join the symbolic protest.
He warned that if the government fails to begin work on the Teesta Master Plan with its own funding before the election schedule is announced in November, a larger movement will be launched to “bring the entire northern region to a standstill.”
“The people of the north are now united to save the Teesta,” Dulu said. “The Teesta is not just a river—it is our livelihood and cultural symbol. Around 20 million people depend on its flow and revival.”
The “Silent Rangpur” campaign, he said, represents the rightful demand of the Teesta’s people.
“This 15-minute silence will echo their collective protest, sending a clear message— ‘Save Teesta, save North Bengal, save Bangladesh.’”
The movement has been building for months. Earlier, on February 17 and 18, hundreds of thousands of people joined sit-ins along 11 points of the Teesta River. On October 5, memorandums were submitted to the Chief Adviser through the district administrations, followed by rallies in all upazila towns on October 9.
On October 16, thousands of residents along both banks of the Teesta lit torches across a 130-kilometer stretch, chanting slogans such as “Rise up, save Teesta,” “Ensure Teesta’s fair share,” and “Implement the Teesta Master Plan now.”
Locals say that dredging the river and implementing the master plan could transform the north’s economy and environment, ensuring prosperity and security for millions who rely on the Teesta’s waters.