BNP's Teesta long march starts today
BNP begins its two-day long march towards the Teesta Barrage in Nilphamari today amid a warning by the government that stern action will follow if the party creates anarchy during the programme.
State Minister for Home Affairs Asaduzzaman Khan yesterday issued a note of warning, saying those who would cause anarchy would face legal action.
The government will extend its support if BNP holds the programme peacefully, he said while talking to reporters at his office at the secretariat. In a democratic society, everyone has the right to observe any democratic programme, he added.
“But if they think of doing anything else, if their programme violates the law, if their programme causes damage to public life and property, the government will be tough to ensure people's security. No one will be spared,” Asaduzzaman said.
Led by BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the long march will start at 8:00am at the Dhaka airport intersection instead of scheduled BNP's Nayapaltan central office to avoid traffic congestions in the capital.
On April 16, BNP announced the programme demanding due share of the Teesta water from India.
Boro farmers in four northern districts are suffering because of India's massive withdrawal of Teesta water. The water flow in the Teesta river has dropped to 650 cusecs from 3,500 cusecs around this time last year.
The long march is not a political programme, senior BNP leaders said on different occasions. It is rather aimed at saving the country's environment and its people.
After a short speech by Fakhrul at the airport intersection, the long march caravan will set off for Rangpur.
On the way to Rangpur, six rallies will be held. After an overnight stay in Rangpur, the party will hold a public rally in the town at 9:00am tomorrow and then resume their long march towards the barrage in Nilphamari.
The programme will end with another public rally at Dalia.
BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan and Rizvi Ahmed yesterday distributed leaflets at the Gulshan-2 intersection to drum up support for the long march programme.
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