Dhaka, Aug 23 (V7N): Environment and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has criticized India for failing to honor an agreement that mandates providing early warning to Bangladesh before releasing water. She made these remarks while visiting various flood-affected areas in Habiganj on Friday.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan emphasized the importance of informing downstream countries like Bangladesh in advance when abnormal rainfall occurs upstream and necessitates water release. "This time, India did not comply with this requirement, which is also stipulated in our agreement with them," she stated.

She referenced international river law, noting, "Even without a formal agreement, neighboring countries should not harm one another and should assist each other."

The adviser also mentioned that, following this incident, a message has been sent to India requesting early notification regarding all joint rivers whenever there is a need to release water.

"Dr. Yunus has already informed the Indian Embassy about this issue, and the Foreign Ministry is actively working to prevent such situations from recurring," she added.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan acknowledged that while natural disasters are inevitable, man-made problems arising from a lack of communication must be avoided. She stressed the importance of maintaining rivers as rivers and protecting embankments to prevent flooding.

The government, she said, is working tirelessly to address the ongoing flash flood situation in various districts across the country, with swift and effective measures being taken to rescue people from remote areas.

She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the students and the general public who are voluntarily assisting the government in providing services to those seeking refuge in shelter centers.

The Water Resources Adviser also mentioned plans to discuss the issue of water release from upstream in India without prior warning.

"We will take steps to properly manage the silt coming from upstream and take action against illegal dredging. All embankments will be repaired promptly to control flooding," she assured.

Rizwana instructed government officials to involve students and local residents in all flood-related activities.

During her visit, she was briefed on the flood situation, the condition of affected people, and the progress of rehabilitation efforts. Local administration, district officials, journalists, and people from various walks of life were present during the visit.

Prior to this, the adviser held discussions with the local administration, media, and civil society on the flood situation in Habiganj district at the Habiganj Circuit House.

After visiting areas affected by river erosion, she delivered a speech at a meeting held at the Chunaruaghat Upazila Parishad auditorium. The meeting was attended by officials from the Department of Environment, the Forest Department, and the Water Development Board, as well as district and upazila-level officials, public representatives, and media personnel.

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