BNP govt to construct Teesta barrage along with Padma barrage: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that the BNP government will not only build the Padma barrage but also begin work on the Teesta barrage. The government is working to fulfil the promises made to the people.

He made the remarks at a views-exchange meeting in Gazipur on Wednesday afternoon, May 20.

Earlier, as part of his day-long visit to Gazipur, the prime minister laid the foundation stone of the 'National Disaster Management Research and Training Institute' in the Sataish area of Tongi. The specialised institute is being established to tackle the impacts of global climate change and further strengthen the country's disaster management system.

After laying the foundation stone, the prime minister planted a palm tree sapling and released fish fry into a pond on the institute premises.

Addressing the views-exchange meeting organised by the Department of Disaster Management and the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, Tarique Rahman said water shortages during the dry season in the country's south-western region are being caused by barrage construction across the border. Salinity in coastal areas is also increasing due to the Farakka Barrage.

"To ensure the people of the country get adequate water, we will construct a barrage on the Padma River. Additionally, the Teesta master plan will be implemented, and work on the Teesta barrage will also begin," he said.

The prime minister further stated that if anyone has delivered on big promises through action, it is the BNP. Many make grand promises, but the BNP government is working to implement the commitments made to the people.

On natural disasters, he said that while disasters cannot be fully controlled, effective measures must be put in place to minimise damage. The government is working towards that goal.

He also said the canal excavation programme announced by the government has already begun and is not merely a political promise but a programme being implemented.