Gaibandha: Chief Coordinator of the Teesta River Protection Movement and Organizing Secretary (Rangpur Division) of the BNP Central Executive Committee, Principal Asadul Habib Dulu, today described the river Teesta as a lifeline of the country’s economy and culture. He emphasized the necessity of obtaining a fair share of the river’s water while speaking as the chief guest at a preparatory meeting organized by the Teesta River Protection Movement at Haripur Teesta Bridge point in Sundarganj upazila.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting was a precursor to a series of events, including sit-in programs on both sides of the Teesta river scheduled for February 17 and 18. These events aim to unite people from all segments of society to advocate for their demands, including the implementation of the Teesta Mega Project. Principal Dulu asserted that the transformation of the Teesta into a service river for public welfare could be achieved through necessary works and proper management.
Dulu criticized past governments for prioritizing personal interests over public needs. He mentioned that a proposal from China to invest Taka 8,000 crore in the project was not realized due to governmental alignment with India’s foreign policy. He stressed that the project could be accomplished using Bangladesh’s resources if international support is not forthcoming.
He also highlighted the challenges faced by BNP members in voicing public demands, citing instances of police aggression and arrests. He announced that BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir would inaugurate the sit-in programs, and Tarique Rahman would express his support for the demands in a speech on February 18.
The event was presided over by Gaibandha District Coordinator of the Teesta River Protection Movement and District BNP President Prof. Dr. Mainul Hasan Sadik. The meeting featured speeches from various BNP leaders and was attended by district and upazila BNP leaders, their affiliates, and local residents.