Dhaka: BNP Secretary General and LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that the historic Farakka Long March, led by Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani from Rajshahi to the Kansat border of Chapai-Nawabganj, stands as a symbol of harmony against the hegemony of unilateral actions. The march was organized to protest India’s unilateral withdrawal of Ganges river water.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Fakhrul Islam made these remarks during a discussion organized by the Bhasani Janashakti Party at the Central Shaheed Minar. The event was held to commemorate the historic Farakka Long March Day. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for his decisive move to construct the Padma Barrage, emphasizing that once completed, it would allow Bangladesh to exert international pressure to address the water-sharing crisis and associated environmental issues.
Fakhrul further commented on the current narratives being circulated against Bangladesh, stating that they are not conducive to maintaining friendly relations between Bangladesh and India. He highlighted the need for peaceful coexistence with India, the largest neighbor, while condemning the border incidents where innocent Bangladeshi citizens have been shot. He urged the immediate cessation of such border killings by India.
Reflecting on the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, which is set to expire in December 2026, Fakhrul emphasized the importance of national unity. He called on all political forces and citizens, irrespective of party lines, to come together to secure Bangladesh’s fair share of river water. He underscored that this issue transcends political affiliations and is a fight for the nation’s very existence.
The discussion was presided over by Bir Muktijoddha Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablu, Chairman of the Bhasani Janashakti Party, and moderated by the party’s General Secretary, Dr. Abu Yusuf Selim.