BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman stated that if his party comes to power, it will take the matter of Teesta water distribution to the United Nations to secure a fair share for Bangladesh and implement the Teesta Master Plan.

Addressing the closing ceremony of the 48-hour continuous public rally organized by the Teesta River Protection Movement on Tuesday, Rahman criticised the Awami League government for failing to secure a fair share of the Teesta water from India, which, he said, is turning the riverbanks of the northern region into a desert.

"The Awami League government has failed to achieve a fair share of Teesta water from India, leaving the northern riverbanks on the verge of becoming barren," he said, addressing participants virtually.

Rahman emphasized that the people of northern Bangladesh, who are suffering from water scarcity, wish to remind the world that Bangladesh shares 54 rivers with India, and securing a fair share of water from these rivers is not a matter of charity but a right according to international law.

"This is Bangladesh’s rightful claim, as per international law, and this is what the people of Bangladesh deserve. Yet, we find ourselves in a position where we must protest for our share of the water from an international river. The people of Bangladesh, especially in the northern region, are now forced to demand their rightful share," he added.

Directing his comments towards former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Rahman remarked, "The leader who fled to India on August 5 repeatedly claimed that India would never forget what we gave them. Today, it is clear that India has not forgotten Sheikh Hasina, but they have certainly neglected Bangladesh."

He went on to say that, according to international law, Teesta water belongs to Bangladesh, and the country has been deprived of its rights due to the unfriendly actions of the neighbouring country. "For 50 years, our right to water at Farakka has remained unfulfilled. In addition, many rivers, including the Teesta, have become silted, resulting in frequent floods that devastate agriculture and properties," he explained.

Rahman also criticized the River Commission, which he claimed has been ineffective for the past 16 years due to the interests of neighbouring India.

"We want good relations with neighbouring countries, but those relations must serve our nation's interests. Suppose India continues to deny us our fair share of water. In that case, we will explore alternative solutions and take the issue to the United Nations with the support of the people," he declared.

The Teesta River Protection Movement, which organized the rally, held events at 11 locations along the banks of the Teesta in Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Rangpur, Kurigram, and Gaibandha districts in the northern region. The rallies, which attracted large crowds, were coordinated by BNP Organizing Secretary Asadul Habib Dulu.

"We want good relations with neighbouring countries, but those relations must serve our nation's interests. Suppose India continues to deny us our fair share of water. In that case, we will explore alternative solutions and take the issue to the United Nations with the support of the people,"

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir inaugurated the two-day rally on Monday. Several BNP Standing Committee members, including Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram, and Vice-Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu, as well as leaders from other political groups, were present at various rally points.