Thousands of people living along the banks of the Teesta River have expressed frustration after the recently-proposed national budget of Bangladesh failed to include any specific allocation or timeline for the long-discussed Teesta master plan.
Speakers at a rally in Gangachara upazila of Rangpur yesterday said successive governments have promised a permanent solution to the river’s recurring floods, erosion, and dry-season water shortages, but little progress has followed.
Many residents accused authorities of turning their suffering into “political assurances” rather than delivering action.
The protest, organised by the Teesta Bachao, Nodi Bachao Sangram Parishad, drew several thousand participants from across the Teesta basin.
A torchlight procession was held at Char Mahipur in the evening, with demonstrators chanting slogans demanding immediate implementation of the master plan and an end to what they described as repeated delays.
Protesters said the Teesta remains central to the livelihoods of millions across northern Bangladesh, including in Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Nilphamari and Gaibandha districts.
They described a cycle of annual monsoon flooding and severe erosion that washes away homes, farmland, roads and public infrastructure, followed by dry-season water scarcity that disrupts agriculture.
“We are tired of promises,” said Boktar Ali, a 65-year-old farmer who has lost land to erosion. “Every government has given assurances, but nothing changes on the ground.”
Another resident, Golzar Rahman, said erosion had left families increasingly vulnerable. “We keep hearing that work will start soon, but it never happens. No budget allocation has been made. We are left to suffer,” he said.
Demonstrators said the absence of a clear budgetary commitment in the current fiscal year has deepened public anger, particularly as the master plan has been under discussion for years.
Leaders of the Sangram Parishad said the plan must be implemented through domestic financing without delay, arguing that external geopolitical considerations should not be used as an excuse for inaction.
They added that key issues such as riverbank protection, flood control, irrigation, navigability and environmental restoration remain unaddressed despite repeated pledges by authorities over the years.
Professor Nazrul Islam Hakkani, president of the organisation, said the government needed to announce a clear allocation and implementation roadmap. “There is no scope for further delay in implementing the Teesta master plan,” he said.
He also referred to earlier assurances from the head of government during last year’s protests, when a commitment was made to move forward with the plan.
“Millions along the Teesta are still waiting for that promise to be fulfilled,” he added.The government unveils Tk 9.38 lakh crore budget on June 11.
