Govt to build both Padma, Teesta barrages to tackle water crisis, climate risks: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (20 May) 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."

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 Rahman 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 require cutting 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.

"These trees cannot be cut. They can decide what steps to take, but the trees must not be cut," he said, referring to his instructions to Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam.

Tarique Rahman 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.

"Bangladesh is both a disaster-prone and densely populated country. Even a small disaster causes damage to people, crops and livestock," he said.

The premier 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.

He also stressed the importance of canal excavation programmes for conserving water during the dry season.

"Canal excavation is closely linked to people's lives and agriculture. We must continue these programmes in any way possible," Tarique Rahman said.

Calling for greater public awareness, he urged people to protect the environment, plant trees, and reduce wasting of water.

"Since we cannot stop disasters, we must learn how to protect people and resources, how to reduce damage, and how to protect ourselves and others. Let that be our pledge today," the prime minister said.

He said Bangladesh is still a poor country with limited resources, and those resources must be protected and properly used for the welfare of the people.

"If resources are destroyed because of our negligence or lack of awareness, people will suffer more," he said.

Earlier, the prime minister laid the foundation stone of the National Institute of Disaster Management Research and Training building.

The programme was chaired by Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu.

State Minister M Iqbal Hossain, Secretary Md Saidur Rahman Khan and Director General of the Department of Disaster Management Razwanur Rahman also spoke at the event.

Minister Dulu and Gazipur's Deputy Commissioner Md Nurul Karim Bhuiyan separately presented commemorative gifts to the Prime Minister.

Defence Adviser to the Prime Minister Brig Gen (retd) AKM Shamsul Islam, Manjurul Karim Roni, MP, Gazipur City Corporation Administrator Md Shawkat Hossain Sarkar and senior government officials were also present.