Dhaka: The historic Farakka Long March Day will be observed tomorrow.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, on this day in 1976, Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani led a significant rally from Rajshahi to the Kansat border of Chapainawabganj. This mass mobilization was a protest against India’s unilateral withdrawal of Ganges River water and a demand for the water rights of Bangladesh’s people.
Following the long march, President Ziaur Rahman’s administration brought the Ganges water issue to the United Nations, leading to the signing of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty in 1977. The subsequent 30-year agreement signed in 1996 is set to expire in December this year.
Leaders of the International Farakka Committee (IFC) issued a joint statement indicating that this year’s observance will address the shortcomings of the current agreement. They aim to build public pressure for its renewal with necessary amendments or the establishment of a new treaty before the December deadline.
In observance of the day, the BNP will hold a discussion at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) auditorium at 11am tomorrow. BNP Secretary General and LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will address the event as the chief guest. Additional speeches will be delivered by BNP Standing Committee members and distinguished intellectuals of the country.