Kurigram: Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today announced that the government is prioritizing efforts to prevent riverbank erosion along the Teesta River. She emphasized that protection work is already underway along 19 kilometers of the 45 most erosion-prone areas, with secured funding for the remaining 26 kilometers, where construction will begin soon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizwana, who also serves as the environment, forest, and climate change adviser, made these remarks during a media briefing at the ongoing riverbank protection works near Gharialdanga Khitabkha Government Primary School in Rajarhat Upazila, Kurigram. She acknowledged the legitimate demand for a permanent embankment to control erosion but highlighted that such a project requires long-term planning and time for implementation. Thus, the current focus is on emergency protection works in the most vulnerable areas.
Responding to queries, Rizwana affirmed that the Teesta water-sharing treaty is a rightful demand of Bangladesh's people, pursued in accordance with international law. She mentioned that five public hearings, involving both local and international experts, have already been conducted as part of the Teesta Master Plan's formulation. Feedback and recommendations from these hearings have been forwarded to the relevant ministries, with the plan to be finalized based on a consensus of expert opinions.
During her visit, Rizwana was accompanied by key officials, including Md. Enayet Ullah, Director General of the Bangladesh Water Development Board, and Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Chief Engineer of Rangpur BWDB, among others. The adviser also inspected riverbank protection works near Gatiasham Clinic in Rajarhat Upazila and the ongoing right-bank protection work upstream of the Panjarbhanga Railway Bridge in Kaunia Upazila, Rangpur, interacting with local residents during her visit.