Lalmonirhat, Feb 18 (V7N) – The second day of the Teesta River Protection Movement, under the slogan 'Jago Bahe, Teesta Bachai', is in full swing, with protesters vowing to continue their struggle until the water-sharing crisis is resolved and the Teesta Master Plan is implemented.

People from all walks of life, including leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliated organizations, have joined the mass march, which began at 11:30 AM on Tuesday. The protest is taking place at 11 locations across five northern districts.

The concluding mass rally is expected to take place later today, with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman addressing the gathering virtually as the chief guest.

During the opening of the 48-hour sit-in, march, and rally program on Monday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir accused India of unfairly withholding Teesta’s water.

"If India wants friendship, it must stop 'Dadagiri' and ensure Bangladesh gets its fair share of Teesta water," Fakhrul stated. He also demanded an end to border killings and India’s unilateral control over the river.

The movement’s chief coordinator, Asadul Habib Dulu, echoed these sentiments, saying, “If India truly wants friendship, it must ensure fair water sharing.”

The 315-kilometer-long Teesta River flows 115 kilometers through Bangladesh, but Indian dams divert massive amounts of water for irrigation and electricity, leaving Bangladesh dry during critical agricultural periods. Farmers and residents along the Teesta basin have long suffered due to this crisis.

On the second day, the Teesta River Protection Movement Committee is continuing its marches, rallies, and cultural protests, featuring national music and dance performances. A field visit showed strong participation from men, women, and children alike.

The protesters insist they will not return home until their demands are met, signaling a long fight ahead for the people of Teesta's banks.

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