The longstanding demand for the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan and a fair water-sharing agreement has once again taken center stage, as residents of five northern districts, including Rangpur, rally for their rights.
Various organizations have been advocating for this cause for years, but despite repeated assurances from successive governments, no concrete action has been taken.
As a result, the plight of communities living along the Teesta River continues to worsen. In response, the Teesta River Protection Movement has announced a large-scale demonstration to highlight their grievances and push for urgent intervention.
Under the slogan 'Jago Bahe Teesta Bachai', the movement has gained momentum, with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated groups joining forces.
Led by BNP’s Rangpur Divisional Organizing Secretary and former Deputy Minister Principal Asadul Habib Dulu, the demonstrators demand the immediate implementation of the Teesta Agreement and Master Plan.
A 48-hour continuous protest is set to begin at noon on Monday (Feb 17).
Organizers have completed preparations, including constructing a stage along the riverbanks. Leaflets have been distributed, and an extensive awareness campaign has been launched to ensure mass participation.
Protest activities will include rallies, marches, and cultural performances at 11 key locations across Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Nilphamari, Rangpur, and Gaibandha. Major gathering points include the Kaunia Teesta Railway Bridge in Rangpur, Gangachara Mahipur Bazar, Mahishkhocha in Aditmari, and the Teesta Barrage area in Hatibandha and Dimla.
At the Gangachara Mahipur protest site, three large tents have been set up—for public gatherings, overnight stays, and food preparation. Similar arrangements have been made in Kaunia, where the stage and facilities are ready, awaiting the influx of demonstrators.
The movement aims to unite the Teesta-dependent communities and intensify pressure for a resolution to the water-sharing crisis.
Rangpur District Chhatra Dal Convener Sharif Newaz Joha said all necessary arrangements, including accommodation for 30,000 to 40,000 participants, lighting, sanitation, and clean water supply, have been completed.
He warned that unless the government takes immediate steps to implement the agreement and master plan, the movement will continue indefinitely.
Teesta River Protection Movement Coordinator and Rangpur Metropolitan BNP Convener Shamsuzzaman Samu said that the protest is not just a political initiative but a people’s movement.
“We want the world to know that our neighboring country is depriving us of our rightful share of Teesta water. Our demand is simple—the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan,” he said.
Principal Asadul Habib Dulu echoed this sentiment, stressing that the issue transcends politics.
He said: “This is not just BNP’s movement; it belongs to the people of Rangpur Division. Public participation has been overwhelming, and we expect an even larger turnout over the next two days.”
He also confirmed that BNP’s Acting Chairman would virtually address protesters at 11 locations across five districts on February 18, while BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is scheduled to speak at the Teesta bank rally on February 17.
Senior leaders from BNP and other political parties are also expected to attend in solidarity.
The movement has already energized BNP supporters and activists, with the general public also joining in, cutting across party lines. The next 48 hours are expected to be crucial in amplifying the demand for a lasting solution to the Teesta water crisis.
BDST: 1204 HRS, FEB 17, 2025
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