BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged India to ensure Bangladesh’s fair share of Teesta River water, emphasizing that equitable distribution is essential for fostering friendly relations between the two nations.

Addressing New Delhi, he stated, “If you truly seek friendship with the people of Bangladesh, then ensure our rightful share of Teesta water without delay. Stop border killings and shootings. We want to see India as a friend, but that friendship must be built on mutual respect and understanding.”

Fakhrul also pressed the interim government to take a firm stance, urging it to “act as a neutral body and demand Bangladesh’s fair share of Teesta water from India.”

He made these remarks on Monday while inaugurating a 48-hour sit-in protest organized by the Teesta River Protection Movement near the Teesta Railway Bridge in Lalmonirhat.

The protest demanded the implementation of the Teesta River water-sharing treaty.

The Teesta River, which flows through India and Bangladesh, has been a source of contention between the two countries due to issues related to water sharing. In 1983, a temporary water-sharing agreement was made between the two nations, giving India 39% of the river's water and Bangladesh 36%. However, this arrangement was never formalized into a permanent treaty, and discussions have since been ongoing.

The Teesta River water dispute between Bangladesh and India has been a longstanding issue, with Bangladesh seeking a fair share of the river’s flow for agricultural and economic needs. Despite negotiations, a 2011 water-sharing agreement remains unsigned due to opposition from the Indian state of West Bengal. Bangladesh argues that India's upstream water control through barrages significantly reduces flow, especially in the dry season, affecting millions of farmers.

While India acknowledges the issue, regional politics complicate the resolution. The dispute remains a key diplomatic challenge, impacting bilateral relations, trade, and regional cooperation between the two South Asian neighbours.

Criticising the Awami League's politics on the Teesta River, he said: "During the previous government’s tenure, it seemed that the Teesta agreement would be reached. 

“They have sold Bangladesh for the last 15 years, but they failed to bring even a drop of Teesta River water.

“Nothing can be achieved without a struggle. We must fight for our rights. The people living along the Teesta River should not suffer any longer.

"Not only the Teesta, they (India) have dammed 54 rivers upstream of Bangladesh.

“They unilaterally take water from these rivers to generate electricity, and our people cannot grow crops due to lack of water. Fishermen cannot catch fish."

He also demanded early elections from the interim government.

The BNP leader said: "Return power to the people by holding impartial elections immediately.

“If the government does not return the people's voting rights, it will be achieved through a tough movement.

“We have fought against the fascist Hasina for 15 years. Hasina has fled to India during the successful 36-day struggle of our sons."

BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu, Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque, and Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar) Chairman Mustafa Zaman Haider also spoke at the programme chaired jointly by the chief coordinator of the “Teesta River Protection Movement” and BNP's Rangpur Divisional Organizing Secretary Principal Asadul Habib Dulu.

As part of the programme, rallies, marches, and cultural performances are being held at 11 locations across Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Rangpur, Kurigram, and Gaibandha.

Protesters have also set up tents along the riverbanks to spend the night.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to address the protesters virtually on Feb 18.