Dhaka, Feb 18 (V7N) –BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has said one-sided agreements made by ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina with India need to be reevaluated.
Tarique made the call during a rally in Mahipur, Gangachara upazila, Rangpur, on Tuesday, the last day of a two-day protest campaign under the "Save Teesta, Save Rivers" movement. The speech of Tarique Rahman, who joined virtually from London, was broadcast simultaneously at 11 different points in the Rangpur region.
The BNP leader the public to stand by the BNP in the upcoming national election, saying that together with the people, the BNP will be able to solve all problems in the country.
Tarique expressed his support for the two-day-long movement demanding a fair share of water from the Teesta River and the implementation of a comprehensive plan.
He said the whole world has witnessed this movement, which is rare. The participation of millions of people from both banks of the Teesta River has made the movement stronger, the politician added.
"A fair share of water from the Teesta River is our right, not a favour. Yet, we are forced to protest for the water rights of the Teesta River."
He said India is behaving in an unfriendly manner towards Bangladesh. "They have built dams in the upstream Gajoldoba region, blocking the flow of water. As a result, during the dry season, the Teesta River becomes a barren sandbank."
Tarique continued: "India also opens the barrage gates at times, flooding our homes and agricultural lands. In addition, river erosion has left hundreds of families destitute."
He said that on August 5, Sheikh Hasina fled the country and went to India. While in power, Sheikh Hasina had claimed that India would remember them for the favours they provided, he noted.
"Now, India has remembered her by giving refuge to Sheikh Hasina, who caused suffering to the people."
He said Hasina fled to India on August 5, following strong public protests, after having made Bangladesh India's vassal state.
Even now, the Farakka issue has not been resolved, and India has not provided a fair share of water from the Teesta River, he added.
However, she gave one-sided transit benefits to India, Tarique mentioned.
While the BNP believes in friendship with all and enmity with none, India has not honoured this principle, he added.
He said the party no longer wants to see the bloodied bodies of people like Felani.
"If India does not grant fairness and shows reluctance to protect agriculture and farmers, Bangladesh will have to find a new way to survive."
He said that if necessary, they will raise the demand for water rights in the United Nations and international forums.
Tarique said that after the fall of the Awami League regime, the chance to establish a democratic government has arisen.
However, under the interim government, advisers are making conflicting statements, he added.
He called for the government to announce a roadmap for what it intends to do.
He concluded by saying that to solve the Teesta issue, a democratic government must come to power through elections. "A new slogan must be raised: 'Save Teesta, Save Bangladesh.'"
On the second day of the two-day protest, people of the Teesta River area stood in protest by standing in the water of the Teesta River to show the waterless state of the river.
END/MSS/AJ
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