United News of Bangladesh

Severe erosion along the Teesta River has once again put vast areas of Kurigram at risk, swallowing cropland and homesteads and pushing thousands of riverbank residents into deep uncertainty. Farmland is disappearing almost daily, leaving farmers without livelihoods and families fearing the loss of their homes. “We are losing land every day. Now our homes are also at risk. We don’t know where we will go with our families,” said Mahbub Hossain, a resident of Palashpur village under Nazimkhan union. “We cannot even sleep properly due to the erosion. Every year we hear promises of work, but nothing changes in reality,” said housewife Rahima Begum. Farmers said the loss of cultivable land has cut off their only source of income. “My farmland has gone into the river. There is no way to earn anymore. We urgently need a permanent solution,” said Moksed Ali. Originating in India’s Sikkim, the Teesta travels about 315 kilometres before entering Bangladesh, flowing through Nilphamari, Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, and Gaibandha before meeting the Brahmaputra in Gaibandha. Around 115 kilometres of the river lie within Bangladesh. According to the Kurigram office of the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), nearly 45 kilometres of the Teesta riverbank in the district are erosion-prone. Several vulnerable stretches have already been identified including 400 metres in Ramhari area under Ghoriyardanga union, 500 metres in parts of Nazimkhan union, 1,000 metres in Chaprarpar under Thetarai union of Ulipur upazila, 500 metres in Saduar Damarhat, and 700 metres in Bajra area. Despite recurring losses over the years, residents alleged that no effective long-term measures have been taken, said locals. Temporary efforts such as dumping sand-filled geo-bags, have failed to provide lasting protection. Shafiqul Islam Bebu, president of the Kurigram District Char Development and Implementation Council, said countries like the Netherlands have comprehensive systems to support erosion victims, including housing and rehabilitation. “In our country, there is no such structured support. A legal framework is urgently needed to ensure compensation for those affected,” he said. BWDB Executive Engineer Md Rakibul Hasan said the situation is being monitored closely. “We have identified the vulnerable areas. As an emergency measure, around 100,000 geo-bags filled with sand will be placed to prevent further erosion,” he said. However, locals said similar assurances are given every year without yielding durable solutions. As a result, fresh waves of displacement continue, with families losing their homes and land to the relentless river.

A quiet but striking transformation is unfolding on the sandy char lands of Govardhan, on the banks of the Teesta River in Mohishkhocha Union under Aditmari Upazila. Where tobacco once stood as the dominant crop, fields are now awash with the bright yellow of blooming sunflowers, signalling a new economic possibility for farmers in Lalmonirhat. For the first time, sunflower is being cultivated commercially in the area under an agricultural development project aimed at reducing tobacco farming and increasing edible oil production. The change is not merely visual; it is financial. Farmers say the numbers speak for themselves. Cultivation costs range between Tk 6,000 and Tk 7,000 per bigha, while seeds are selling for around Tk 30,000 per bigha. With limited irrigation, just two or three rounds, and proper fertiliser application, growers are earning around Tk 30,000 per bigha, making the crop an attractive alternative to tobacco. Abu Bakkar Siddique, one of the pioneering farmers behind the initiative, described the current season as particularly successful. “The yield has been very good this year,” he said, adding, “People are coming from far and wide to see the sunflower fields. Many are interested in cultivating it themselves because the costs are low and the profits are higher.” Yet Bakkar cautioned that sustained success will depend on proper marketing arrangements. “If marketing support is ensured, the banks of the Teesta could become green and golden, free from tobacco,” he added. Agriculture officials are actively backing the transition. Under the Agricultural Technology Extension Project, the Department of Agricultural Extension is distributing free seeds and fertilisers to participating farmers. The broader objective is to discourage tobacco cultivation, long associated with health and environmental concerns, and to boost domestic edible oil production. Pradeep Kumar Roy, Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officer in Aditmari, said the char area had previously been synonymous with tobacco farming. “With the initiative of farmer Abu Bakkar and support from the Agriculture Office, profitable sunflower cultivation is now taking place,” he said, confirming that the department has provided seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and technical advice. Currently, sunflowers are being grown on five bighas of land in Mohishkhocha and Durgapur unions under the project, according to Omar Faruk, Upazila Agriculture Officer in Aditmari. He expressed optimism that the crop could emerge as a strong substitute for tobacco while helping meet the country’s growing demand for edible oil. “We are providing free support to discourage tobacco cultivation. Sunflower is not only profitable, but it is also very beneficial for human health," Faruk said. Beyond its economic promise, the sunflower bloom has brought an unexpected social impact, he said. Sunflower cultivation in Khulna: Salinity no longer a barrier With few recreational facilities in the char area, the vibrant fields have drawn visitors from various places. Many arrive to admire the sweeping yellow landscape; others leave with practical knowledge about a crop that could reshape the region’s farming future. Officials hope the success in Govardhan char will inspire wider adoption across the Teesta basin, turning what was once a tobacco stronghold into a landscape defined by sustainable cultivation and renewed rural optimism.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen today (July 04, 2024) said that it is solely Bangladesh’s sovereign right to decide on the Teesta project, and that this decision must be respected. “Whatever project regarding the Teesta river is truly on Bangladesh’s side to make a decision. And the decision has to be respected,” he told diplomatic correspondents at a DCAB Talk, responding to a question on the Teesta river that Bangladesh shares with India. Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted the event at Jatiya Press Club ahead of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to China next week. DCAB President Nurul Islam Hasib and General Secretary Ashiqur Rahman Apu also spoke at the event. The Chinese ambassador stated that the visit will outline a new blueprint for practical cooperation in various fields and provide an opportunity for the two countries to coordinate their positions on regional and international affairs. Ambassador Yao mentioned that China had made its proposal on Teesta following Bangladesh's request and is open to accepting any decision. “We are open. It’s purely on Bangladesh to decide what to do at the next stage.” PM Hasina’s upcoming visit to boost China-Bangladesh cooperation on bilateral, regional and global issues, says Ambassador India also expressed interest and announced that a technical team would soon visit Bangladesh to discuss the Teesta river conservation and management issues. On June 25, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stated that the government would accept the financing proposal for the Teesta Masterplan Project based on what is most beneficial for the country. “We have undertaken the Teesta project. China and India have given separate proposals (for financing it). We must accept the proposal which will be more beneficial for the people of our country,” she said at a press conference at her official residence, Ganabhaban, regarding the outcome of her recent visit to India. Addressing a separate question, Ambassador Yao emphasized the importance of good relations between Bangladesh and its neighbouring countries. “You know, it is a success of your national foreign policy. So, we want to see good relations. And also, we want our relations to be playing a positive role and be viewed positively by the other countries. So that is a win-win cooperation and will benefit all parties,” he said. He dismissed any notion of tension between India and China regarding this project, stating, “I don't see any tension. We want to see the project start very soon. Since I know almost 30 million people need this project, we just want to see if it can be studied and completed very soon.” Regarding the development of southern Bangladesh, the ambassador mentioned that it is a proposal from the Bangladesh side and that China could play a significant role in aiding this development. “It is a good opportunity for China to get involved in the internal development of Bangladesh and we will have a very active and positive approach to that proposal,” he said. Ambassador Yao also praised Bangladesh’s humanitarian efforts in sheltering over 1 million Rohingya refugees. “China is actively pursuing all parties involved in the Myanmar conflict to achieve a ceasefire and engage in dialogue, thus paving the way for the repatriation at an early date,” he said. The envoy added that China is ready to support Bangladesh in the multilateral arena, jointly safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, and promoting regional and international peace and stability. PM’s upcoming China visit a reflection of maintaining balanced diplomacy: Foreign Minister He highlighted cooperation opportunities in areas such as education, media, infrastructure, trade promotion, investment, agricultural imports from Bangladesh, and the digital economy during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's upcoming visit. Ambassador Yao noted that the Bangladesh-China relationship is at its best and is embracing tremendous development opportunities. “Next year, our two countries will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. How to further elevate bilateral relations, expand the scope of exchanges, tap the potential for cooperation, and make the relationship between our two countries and peoples better, deeper, and closer is a task that requires joint efforts from both sides,” he said. He emphasized that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to China will be a milestone in bilateral relations, building on past achievements and forging ahead. “This visit will surely inject vibrant impetus into bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields, promoting new achievements in the strategic partnership of cooperation between China and Bangladesh, and elevating the relationship to a new height,” he said. The envoy highlighted that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to China is highly anticipated by all. “This visit is expected to take the helm for the growth of the China-Bangladesh relationship for the next five years or even longer.” During the visit, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will meet with Chinese leaders, sign a number of cooperation documents, and jointly announce major cooperation achievements. Through this visit, both sides will firmly support each other and further deepen communication at all levels, he mentioned. Read more: Experts highlight Bangladesh’s need for China in its dev journey, strategic gains anticipated from PM Hasina’s upcoming visit

Residents of areas along the Teesta river in Aditmari upazila of Lalmonirhat district are living in fear of losing their homes and crops as erosion has taken a serious turn. Several thousand families living on the riverbanks were facing waterlogging issues due to the torrential rainfall last week. Several hundred hectares of cropland were damaged during this period. But when the floodwater started to recede, panic gripped them as erosion took a serious turn in seven to eight points along the left side of the river. Over the past few days, 25-30 houses, croplands and several establishments were washed away due to the erosion, forcing many families to live under the open sky. Rising river waters trigger flooding, erosion concerns in Kurigram Many have shifted their valuables including furniture on the roadside and near the flood protection dam. Meanwhile, residents of Gobordhan and Garibullatari villages under Mahishkhocha union of the upazila saw severe erosion at the dead night on Tuesday near the embankment. A number of establishments including a mosque have gone into the river. The families of Rabiul, Bhuttu and Yeakub Ali are living under the open sky as their homesteads were washed away due to the erosion. Locals said if the authorities do not take any steps immediately, the embankment would also go into the river. Villagers spend sleepless nights as Madhumati river banks erosion intensifies in Faridpur  They also demanded constructing a permanent dam along the riverbank. Sunil Kumar, executive engineer of Lalmonirhat Water Development Board, said erosion occurred in seven-eight points along the riverbanks while erosion at spur dam-2 took a serious turn. They have informed the matter to the high official concerned, he said. After visiting the affected areas, GR Sarwar, Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Aditmari upazila, said a list of affected people is being prepared and assistance will be provided as per the list. Teesta erosion worsens in Kurigram; 50 homes swept away

Low-lying areas in Lalmonirhat district have been flooded as the Teesta River is flowing 20 cm above the danger level at Dalia point due to continuous rainfall for the last few days until Monday (August 14, 2023) and the onrush of upstream water. The water flow at Dalia point of Teesta Barrage, the country's largest irrigation project, was recorded at 52.35 cm at 6:00 am on Monday, 20 cm above the normal level of 52.15 cm. Read: Untimely Teesta River erosion perplexes people in Lalmonirhat People living near the barrage and on the river’s banks said the water flow of the river increased due to heavy downpour and the onrush of upstream water for the last few days. All sluice gates were opened to control the water flow of the river, they said. They said several hundred families have already been stranded and low-lying areas of the left banks of the river inundated after the river swelled. Mominur Rahman, a resident from Mahiskhoca union under Gobordhan area, said they have to take boats to go to others' houses due to flood. Read: Flood situation improves in Bandarban Amsar Ali, who lives on the left river bank, said they are passing nights amid fear as the water is increasing in the river alarmingly. Asfa-Ud-Doula, executive engineer of Water Development Board at Teesta Barrage’s Dalia Zone, said the low-lying areas on the banks of the river were inundated and all gates of the Teesta Barrage were opened to control the flow of water. Read more: Flood situation in Ctg, Feni, Bandarban and Cox`s Bazar may improve in 24 hrs: FFWC

Water in the Teesta river may cross the danger level at Dalia point over 24 hours, causing a short-term flood in the low-lying areas of Lalmonirhat and Nilphamari districts. Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC), in its regular bulletin, said the Brahmaputra-Jamuna and the Ganges-Padma rivers are in a rising trend, which may continue over 48 hours and water in the Dhalai river may cross danger level at Kamalganj point for a short period over 24 hours, starting from 9 am on today (July 05, 2023). All gates of Teesta Barrage opened due to increase in water level Besides, major rivers in the northeastern region of the country are in a falling trend except Khowai, Someswari and Dhalai, which may continue over 48 hours, the bulletin said. Flood submerges 10 villages in Sunamganj, rain continues The ongoing flood situation in Sunamganj and Netrokona districts may remain unchanged in 24 hours, it said. Heavy rains may trigger short-term flood in Sylhet, Sunamganj

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said resolving the Teesta water sharing issue mainly depends on India. "It's (Teesta) a long-standing problem. So, it should be solved. But it depends mainly on India," she told multimedia news agency - Asian News International (ANI) ahead of her four-day state visit to India. The full version of the interview will be telecast on Sunday morning with text stories. A 37-second teaser of the interview was put on ANI's Twitter account on Saturday. Recalling earlier discussions, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her meeting with Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in March last year reiterated Bangladesh’s long-pending request for concluding the interim agreement on the sharing of the waters of the Teesta river. She underscored that to alleviate the sufferings and save the livelihoods of millions of people dependent on the Teesta river basin, it is necessary that Bangladesh receives its fair share of the Teesta waters, the draft agreement of which has already been agreed upon by both Governments in January 2011, according to the 2021 joint statement. Read: Hasina’s India visit to strengthen Dhaka-Delhi multifaceted relationship: MEA Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s “sincere commitment and continued efforts” to conclude this agreement, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders. Responding to a question on Hindu temples’ vandalism, the Prime Minister told ANI that some incidents sometimes take place. “But immediately we take action." Bangladesh is hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas. Responding to a question, she said it is a big burden. “India is a vast country, you can accommodate." At the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina will pay a visit to New Delhi from September 5 to 8. Hasina will visit India after three years since she last visited in 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic broke out.

The International Farakka Committee (IFC) has urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to pursue Teesta water sharing and renewal of Ganges treaty earnestly with guarantees and arbitration clauses during her upcoming talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a statement issued on Saturday, IFC, which campaigns for Bangladesh’s fair share of water from the trans-boundary rivers with India, said that the Kushiara River’s water sharing is not a priority for Bangladesh, and its inclusion in JRC talks indicates the eagerness of the Indian side to divert attention from the Teesta issue. Before signing the proposed MOU on the Kushiara, Bangladesh should ask for the long-awaited treaty on the Teesta to be signed, they said. Also read: Surma, Kushiara rivers to be dredged to restore navigability: FM IFC leaders said since abandoning the Tipaimukh Dam project at the instance of India's central Forest Advisory Committee for over half a decade, India has refrained from any interventions on the Barak river system from where two tributaries, the Surma and the Kushiara, flow into the Meghna in Bangladesh. Out of 54 common rivers that flow into Bangladesh from India, 52 have already been embanked. Intervention on the Kushiara would adversely affect Bangladesh's third largest river, the Meghna, and the haors of the greater Sylhet area, the IFC said as a note of caution. For Bangladesh, the most burning issue is Teesta water which has been entirely diverted from the Gazal Doba barrage in West Bengal for about two decades, rendering the Bangladesh part of the river completely dry in violation of international law and practice, with adverse environmental consequences for 3 crore Bangladeshis living in its basin. The 30-year Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, which will end in 2026, on the other hand has not ensured the availability of adequate water to Bangladesh. The treaty needs to be updated with guarantees and arbitration clauses that India has in its water treaties with Nepal and Pakistan, the IFC leaders said. They said Bangladesh should pursue integrated basin-wide management of common rivers to keep the natural systems alive instead of artificially dividing those at man-made political borders. When dams and embankments on rivers are being demolished in the rest of the world, these cannot be built afresh on our common rivers. Also read: Implement Teesta management and restoration master plan: IFC The signatories to the statement are: Atiqur Rahman Salu, Chairman and Sayed Tipu Sultan, Secretary General, IFC New York, Prof. Jasim Uddin Ahmad, President, Dr. SI Khan, Senior Vice President, Syed Erfanul Bari, IFC Bangladesh; and Mostafa Kamal Majumder, Convener IFC.

The residents along the Teesta River are passing their days in fear of possible flood as the Teesta River was flowing above its danger level on Monday. The Teesta River was flowing 25 cm above its danger level around 6 pm on Monday due to onrush of water from the upstream, creating panic among the local residents. Also read: Teesta banks erosion: Over 50 houses washed away in 45 days Executive Engineer of Water Development Board, Nilphamari Dalia Division, Md Asafuddoulla said the char areas along the Teesta river have been inundated due to the rise in water level. Also read: Teesta swells in Lalmonirhat, forces opening of 44 barrage gates However, all the gates of the Teesa Barrage were kept open due tackle the situation.

The International Farakka Committee (IFC) has urged the government and all others concerned to initiate the process of ensuring basin-wide integrated management of all rivers including the Ganges and the Teesta.Welcoming Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent statement for basinwide management of rivers, the leaders of the IFC said that only such management will keep rivers alive for all people on their banks to benefit from their services.IFC issued a joint statement on Sunday marking the 46th anniversary of the Farakka Long March.On May 16, 1976, leader of toiling masses Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani led the historic long march towards the Farakka Barrage from the Rajshahi Madrasah ground and crossed more than 100 kilometres on foot. Also read: Momen hopeful of early signing of Teesta; India looks forward to Hasina’s visitThe march was the first successful popular protest against unilateral diversion of the Ganges and for maintaining its natural flow.The IFC leaders said that the long march proved relevant as the Indian state of Bihar and many Indian water experts have called for demolition of the Farakka Barrage.Indian water experts have raised voices against structures on rivers including Cauvery, Sabarmati and Ganges that have led to drying up of these natural systems.Rivers can remain alive only if they to flow from their origins to the sea, the IFC leaders said. Also read: Scope still there for cooperation on Teesta water allocation: Prof ImtiazThe signatories to the statement were: IFC New York Chairman, Atiqur Rahman Salu, Secretary General, Sayed Tipu Sultan; IFC Bangladesh President, Prof. Jasim Uddin Ahmad, Senior Vice President, Dr. SI Khan, General Secretary, Syed Irfanul Bari, and IFC Coordinator, Mostafa Kamal Majumder.