Rangpur: A “Stabdha Rangpur (Silent Rangpur)” programme has been announced to take place on October 30, demanding the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan. ‘Teesta Nodi Rokkha Andolon Committee (Save the Teesta River Movement Committee) has scheduled the event to be observed from 11:00 am to 11:15 am as part of its ongoing efforts to save the Teesta River. Movement committee leaders have stated this will serve as a symbol of the Teesta region’s rightful demand.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the planned 15-minute silence is intended to echo the united protest of the people of the Teesta region, conveying the message: “If Teesta remains alive, North Bengal will remain live; if Teesta remains alive, Bangladesh will remain alive.” People from all walks of life, including students, teachers, farmers, workers, traders, buyers, sellers, and both government and private officials across five districts of the Rangpur Division, have been urged to stop their work at 11:00 am and stand silently for 15 minutes in solidarity.
Drivers of all types of vehicles, including motorcycles, bicycles, trucks, buses, and trains, have been requested to halt their vehicles and remain in place for the 15-minute duration. In educational institutions, teachers will refrain from conducting classes, and students will suspend their academic activities during that time.
The movement committee has called on everyone in society to cease all forms of activity for 15 minutes to express unity for the protection and survival of the Teesta River. Teesta Nodi Rokkha Andolon Chief Coordinator and Organizing Secretary of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Principal Asadul Habib Dulu, emphasized that if the government does not initiate work on the Teesta Master Plan with its own funding before the announcement of the election schedule, a larger movement will be organized with the people living along the Teesta.
He highlighted that the people of northern Bangladesh are now united in their demand for the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan. Dulu, also a former deputy minister, added, “The Teesta is not just a river-it symbolizes our life, livelihood, and culture. The fate of millions living in its basin depends on the restoration of its water flow and vitality.”
Previously, a series of programmes were observed under the ‘Teesta Nodi Rokkha Andolon’ across five districts of the Rangpur Division-Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, Nilphamari, Kurigram, and Gaibandha. On February 17 and 18, hundreds of thousands participated in sit-in programmes at 11 points along the Teesta River. Memoranda were sent to the Chief Adviser through the deputy commissioners (DCs) on October 5, and mass processions were held in upazila towns on October 9.
Additionally, on the evening of October 16, people from both banks of the Teesta River lit torches as part of a torchlight procession, chanting slogans like “Wake up, save the Teesta,” “We demand Teesta’s fair share,” “Implement the Teesta Master Plan,” and “Brother Dulu has called, wake up and save the Teesta.” Movement leaders have reaffirmed their determination to continue the campaign until the Teesta Master Plan is implemented.