Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie has said NCP leader Nasiruddin Patwary lacks "political decency", alleging that he made indecent remarks about Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his family members.
Annie made the remarks today while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion on National River Day 2026, organised by “Nongor” at the Jatiyo Press Club.
The minister also alleged that Patwary appeared in Jhenaidah carrying weapons, questioning how far the public would accept such behaviour.
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Photo: Rakib Madber
On river protection, the minister emphasised the need for joint efforts by local people and the government to prevent pollution and illegal encroachment.
He said, “Water is our life, and the lack of it means death. Polluted water also leads to death. We must give the highest priority to protecting rivers, canals, and water resources, and we must come forward to safeguard them.”
Regarding the Teesta Mega Plan, the minister said it would not be implemented in haste but in the national interest and for improving the livelihoods of people in five districts along the Teesta banks.
Mentioning that work on the Teesta Barrage was not completed due to negligence of the previous government, he said three units of the water resources ministry have been working on the Teesta banks for the last three months. He added that the mega plan would be finalised with expert advice.
Strongly condemning the murder of Ramisa in Pallabi, Annie said the main accused was arrested within 24 hours of the incident.
He also criticised political parties for putting "pressure" on the government, saying that the way non-cooperation was being shown towards government actions within just three months was not what the nation expected from a responsible opposition party.
Speaking as special guest at the event, Madaripur-3 MP Anisur Rahman Talukder Khokon said the natural flow of rivers and canals was being obstructed due to illegal encroachment and structures, and called for joint efforts to reclaim and excavate canals.
Shah Israt Azmeri, chief executive of the Environmental Innovation and Research Network and chairman of the Children Watch Foundation, said priority must be given to preventing pollution and illegal encroachment to protect rivers.
She said, “It is not enough to just take special initiatives in river management; alongside this, local community engagement must be ensured. Rivers free from pollution and encroachment, and the active participation of ordinary people, can ensure the sustainable development of our riverine country and environment.”
