Chapainawabganj: BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today declared that Indian hegemony would no longer be effective in Bangladesh. He addressed this issue as the Chief Guest at a public rally aimed at demanding fair distribution of Padma River water.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Fakhrul emphasized that the sole purpose of the rally was to protect the Padma River and, by extension, the entire country. He asserted that the movement would persist until Bangladesh's legitimate rights to the Ganges-Padma waters were recognized, and that India's dominance would not be tolerated.
The rally was a joint effort organized by the local BNP and the 'Chapainawabganj Coordination Committee for the Demand of Fair Share of Padma River Water' at the Chapainawabganj Government College ground. Fakhrul pointed out that India often halts the export of essential goods like onions and rice, and during monsoon seasons, it opens all the gates of the Farakka Barrage, leading to annual flooding and erosion in Bangladesh.
Fakhrul criticized the Farakka Barrage as a major issue for Bangladesh, citing the unilateral withdrawal of Ganges water as a cause of the ongoing water crisis. Despite a water-sharing treaty with India, he noted that the expected outcomes have not been realized. He stressed the importance of water to agriculture and the necessity of saving the rivers to preserve the country.
Fakhrul further stated that if the BNP is entrusted with governance, all international rights would be ensured under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. He also mentioned that people are eagerly waiting for elections and will not tolerate any party's conspiracy to disrupt them.
The rally was presided over by BNP Chairperson's Advisor and candidate for Chapainawabganj-3, Harunur Rashid. Other prominent figures, including Prof Dr. Md. Shahjahan Mia, Mizanur Rahman Minu, and Aminul Islam, also addressed the gathering. Numerous BNP leaders, activists, and local residents participated in the event.