A group of young people in Lalmonirhat on Wednesday staged a flash mob and a human chain demanding the implementation of the Teesta mega project.

The event was held at ‘Mission Mor’ of the town around 12pm, organised by Gen-Z Lalmonirhat.

The main slogan of the programme was “Jago Baahe, Teesta Bachai.”

The Teesta Mega Project is the name given to a comprehensive set of projects aimed at managing the Teesta River, that is notably supported by China. It would aim to reduce floods, control erosion, increase water flow in the dry season for irrigation, and promote sustainable development. The projects includes dredging, building embankments, and developing infrastructure.

Students from different educational institutions, cultural activists and young people took part in today's flash mob.

Through dance, acting and symbolic protest, they highlighted the crisis of the Teesta River - river erosion, loss of livelihoods and the need to protect the river.

After the flash mob, speakers at the human chain said, “Teesta is not just a river. It is a lifeline for the northern districts. It is linked to agriculture, culture and the future of the region. Protecting the river means protecting the people.”

Former Member Secretary of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD) Hamidur Rahman, member secretary of Gen-Z Lalmonirhat Ayesha Siddika Kotha, senior joint member secretary of Gen-Z Lalmonirhat Mridul Habib, joint convener of Gen-Z Lalmonirhat Yusuf Ahmed Rokon and member of Gen-Z Lalmonirhat Kamruzzaman Suman also spoke.

Convener of Gen-Z Lalmonirhat Shahid Islam Sujon presided over the programme.

He said, “Teesta once supported agriculture and the economy, but now it has become a symbol of suffering. Erosion and floods have displaced thousands. Previous governments spent a lot of money on luxury projects but took no effective steps for the people of Rangpur region. We want the Teesta mega project to start before the upcoming national election.”

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General Secretary of Jhongkar Jubo Sangha Shib Sundar Barman directed the flash mob.

Senior Joint Convener  of Gen-Z Lalmonirhat Atikur Rahman Shakil conducted the event.

According to locals, the unique cultural protest created strong awareness in the area.