PM vows to secure Bangladesh’s water share

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has vowed to take necessary steps to secure Bangladesh’s fair share of river water, announcing plans to build barrages on the Teesta and Padma rivers to address water shortages.

He made the announcement while addressing a public rally at the historic Madrasa Ground in Rajshahi on Tuesday (October 20) afternoon.

The prime minister said the Padma River’s water flow had declined, worsening water shortages in Rajshahi. He said the government would begin and complete the proposed barrage projects on the Teesta and Padma rivers to improve water availability.

“We will talk to those responsible for creating the water problem. If necessary, we will go as far as required to secure the water rights of the people of Bangladesh,” he said.

Tarique Rahman also announced plans to excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals over the next five years, saying around 800 kilometres had been excavated in the past eight months. He said the initiative would improve irrigation and help replenish groundwater.

On agricultural support, he said the government had waived agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000, including interest, for around 1.3 million farmers in fulfilment of an election pledge. The government is also preparing to distribute farmers’ cards to 4 million landless, marginal and small farmers this year.