Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday announced that the government will implement both the Padma and Teesta barrage projects to address water shortages, protect agriculture and reduce climate-related risks.
"Today, before all of you, I want to make one thing clear - InshaAllah, this BNP government will begin work on the Padma Barrage and also on the Teesta Barrage," he said.
Tarique Rahman, also the Chairman of the ruling BNP, made the announcement while speaking at a civic gathering after laying the foundation stone of the National Institute of Disaster Management Research and Training at Sataish Chowrasta in Gazipur city.
Referring to some political parties, which he did not name, the Prime Minister said BNP has taken practical steps over the Teesta issue, while others only made big statements and promises.
He said Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu led BNP programmes on the Teesta issue in a way no other political party in Bangladesh has done.
"Others may have made strong speeches and big statements. But if anyone has done the work, delivered results and created the ground for action, it is BNP. InshaAllah, BNP will do it," Tarique Rahman added.
Explaining why the Padma Barrage is necessary, he said the government recently decided to build a barrage on the mighty river, especially for the benefit of the northern and southern regions, including Rajshahi.
The Prime Minister said water flow in the Padma decreases during the dry season as India withdraws water upstream through barrages along the border, creating serious environmental and agricultural problems in Bangladesh.
"As a result, during the dry season, we are getting less water. The river flow is decreasing, and many problems are being created. Areas around the river are gradually drying up. When we were young, we saw the Padma full of water all around. Now the river has much less water. That is why we want to build the Padma Barrage," he said.
Tarique Rahman said the barrage will help ensure water supply for farmers and people across the country during both the monsoon and dry seasons.
He also said reduced water flow caused by the Farakka Barrage is allowing saline sea water to move further into the southern region.
The Prime Minister voiced concern that trees are being damaged and different species of animals are disappearing in the Sundarbans and nearby areas because of rising salinity.
"So, if we want to tackle this situation, we have to build the barrage and store water there. We will be able to preserve excess monsoon water and use it later for people and for different purposes," he said.
Speaking about climate change, Tarique Rahman said weather patterns in Bangladesh have changed noticeably over the years.
"It feels very hot these days, does not it? I clearly remember that when we were in school, especially in classes III, IV and V, we did not complain so much about the heat. It was not this hot at that time," he said.
While living abroad for many years, the Prime Minister said, while speaking with people in Bangladesh during winter through online meetings, he noticed that many were not even wearing heavy winter clothes.
"Many people used to say there was hardly any winter even in December and January. I clearly remember that when we were in school and rehearsed for programmes on March 26, we used to wear sweaters because it was cold," he said, recalling his childhood days.
Tarique Rahman said these changes show that the country's climate and weather patterns are changing. "Today, we are here to discuss exactly this issue." "UNB
