Dhaka:BNP Acting Secretary General and Prime Minister's Political Adviser Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has proposed the construction of barrages on the Padma and Tista rivers to help restore river flows by conserving excess monsoon water for use during the dry season.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizvi emphasized the importance of enhancing Bangladesh's internal water resources management due to the country's challenges in securing a fair share of water from the Farakka Barrage. He also highlighted the necessity of continued diplomatic efforts to ensure equitable transboundary river water sharing.
Rizvi shared his views at a roundtable discussion titled "The Role of Padma and Tista Barrages in Protecting National Water Resources," held at a city hotel. The event was organized by the National Committee for Implementation of Padma Barrage and Second Padma Bridge, the Tista River Protection Movement, and Bangladeshi Professionals.
He further explained that by conserving excess monsoon water for use during dry seasons, the water flows in the Padma's branches and sub-branches and other rivers could be increased, which would support agricultural development, environmental balance, and biodiversity conservation.
Rizvi also addressed the Farakka water-sharing issue, noting that the 1977 agreement included a guarantee clause to ensure Bangladesh's share of water, which was omitted in the 1996 treaty. He urged a more assertive stance to secure the country's fair share of river water.
Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, speaking as a special guest at the event, pointed out that regions such as Nilphamari, Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, and Gaibandha were previously prominent agricultural production areas but are now facing severe water shortages and adverse river conditions. Dulu noted that the livelihoods of nearly two crore people depend on the Tista River.