Gazipur: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced on Wednesday that the government plans to implement both the Padma and Teesta barrage projects to address water shortages, protect agriculture, and mitigate climate-related risks.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman, who is also the Chairman of the ruling BNP, made this announcement at a civic gathering after laying the foundation stone of the National Institute of Disaster Management Research and Training in Gazipur city. The Prime Minister emphasized the BNP’s commitment to practical solutions for the Teesta issue, distinguishing his party’s actions from those of unnamed political rivals who, he suggested, have offered only rhetoric.
He highlighted the importance of the Padma Barrage for the northern and southern regions, including Rajshahi, explaining that water flow in the Padma River decreases during the dry season due to upstream withdrawals by India. This situation results in significant environmental and agricultural challenges in Bangladesh.
Tarique Rahman expressed that the barrage project aims to preserve excess monsoon water for later use, which will benefit farmers and the population during both wet and dry seasons. He noted that decreased water flow, worsened by the Farakka Barrage, allows saline sea water to encroach further inland, affecting the Sundarbans’ ecosystem and wildlife.
Discussing climate change, the Prime Minister pointed out noticeable shifts in Bangladesh’s weather patterns over the years, recalling milder temperatures from his school days. He underscored the need for environmental protection, especially given population growth and shrinking land availability.
The Prime Minister also addressed deforestation concerns, particularly in the context of Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar, and urged for the conservation of trees during infrastructure projects. He emphasized the importance of public awareness and the strategic excavation of canals for water conservation.
Concluding his speech, Tarique Rahman called for a collective effort to protect resources and prepare for natural disasters, highlighting the significance of research and training in disaster management. He stressed the need for sustainable resource management to ensure the welfare of Bangladesh’s population.