Chapainawabganj: The BNP's Shibganj upazila unit of the district today staged a mammoth rally titled "Save the Padma" at the premises of Shibganj Government Model School, demanding the country's fair share of the Padma River's water. The event drew a massive turnout of BNP leaders, activists, and local residents who voiced their grievances over the worsening water crisis and urged effective measures to protect the river and the livelihoods dependent on it.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Professor Shahjahan Miah, Adviser to the BNP Chairperson and former MP from Chapainawabganj-1, addressed the rally as the chief guest. Former MPs Harunur Rashid (Chapainawabganj-3) and Aminul Islam (Chapainawabganj-2) attended as chief speaker and special guest, respectively. Prof. Shahjahan Miah stated that the rally's main objective was to protect the Padma River, which has been suffering from severe water shortages due to India's Farakka Barrage.
He highlighted the issues caused by the Farakka Barrage, noting that the river faces a severe water crisis during the dry season. In contrast, during the monsoon, when all the gates of the barrage are opened, large-scale floods and erosion occur across the Padma basin. Miah stressed the importance of saving the rivers for Bangladesh's agriculture-based economy and called for unity to address the problem.
Harunur Rashid, as the chief speaker, emphasized the need to build nationwide awareness about the Padma's crisis. He pointed out that the Farakka Barrage is a significant issue for Bangladesh, as India's unilateral withdrawal of water from the Ganges through the barrage has caused an acute water shortage. Rashid mentioned that despite having a water-sharing treaty with India, the outcome has not been satisfactory.
Aminul Islam expressed the desire to build an unstoppable movement with the people to secure Bangladesh's fair share of the Padma's water. He stated they would do whatever it takes to protect their existence and ensure a fair distribution of water resources.