Jubel Arefin, Rangpur Bureau
Thousands of people have joined a mass march demanding the implementation of the Teesta Grand Plan and a fair share of water rights. The Teesta Protection Movement Committee launched the protest under the slogan “Jago Bahe, Teesta Bachai” (Rise, Save Teesta).
The march, which began on Tuesday (February 18) at 11:30 AM, is taking place across five northern districts at 11 key points. The demonstration started from Lalmonirhat’s Teesta Bridge and is set to conclude at Kaunia Bazar in Rangpur. Leaders and activists from the BNP and its affiliated organizations, along with residents from all walks of life, have joined the movement.
A Historic Protest Along the Teesta
The protest has drawn hundreds of thousands of people from Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Gaibandha, Nilphamari, and Kurigram. On both the opening and closing days, participants engaged in marches, rallies, cultural performances, and traditional activities, creating a festival-like atmosphere along the riverbanks. Banners, posters, and placards bearing slogans for the Teesta’s survival were seen everywhere.
The demonstrators are protesting against India’s unilateral water withdrawal from the 315-kilometer-long Teesta River, of which 115 kilometers flow through Bangladesh. India diverts Teesta water for irrigation across 600,000 hectares and for hydroelectric power production, leaving Bangladesh with insufficient flow. This has led to frequent floods, river erosion, and agricultural losses in the northern region.
Experts Call for Immediate Action
River experts and development analysts stress that implementing the Teesta Grand Plan is the only sustainable solution for two crore people in Bangladesh’s northern region. They warn that without government intervention, continued sedimentation and unregulated upstream water control will further worsen annual flooding.
They argue that securing Teesta’s fair water share is just as important as protecting the river itself. If left unprotected, both livelihoods and the 2,000 sq km Teesta-dependent region will face devastating consequences due to climate change.
The Teesta Protection Movement Committee has vowed to continue its 48-hour-long protest to push for immediate government action on the Teesta Grand Plan.
