Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today 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 -- In sha Allah, 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.
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 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.
On his way to the venue, the prime minister said he noticed a large boat lying on sand and felt that the area probably had a river or water body around 20 to 25 years ago.
He said Bangladesh must pay greater attention to environmental protection as population growth continues and land is shrinking.
Referring to the Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar, Tarique said thousands of trees were felled to build temporary shelters for displaced Myanmar nationals.
He also mentioned a proposed beach road from Cox's Bazar to Ukhiya that would have required cutting down around 3,000 trees.
After reading a report on the issue, the prime minister said he immediately contacted the minister concerned and asked whether the road design could be changed to save the trees.
Tarique said natural disasters cannot be stopped or controlled by humans, but people can be made more aware and prepared to reduce damage and save lives.
The prime minister said one of the main goals of the new institute in Gazipur will be to conduct research on climate change and find ways to deal with disasters such as earthquakes and tidal surges while protecting people and resources.
