‘Sign Teesta deal to end our sufferings’
The people of Teesta basin formed a human chain in front of Rangpur Press Club yesterday, demanding the government of both India and Bangladesh resolve the crisis centring Teesta water.
The demonstration, organised by Teesta Bachao Nodi Bachao Sangram Parishad, an apolitical body in Rangpur, went on for two hours.
Several hundred people, mostly from the affected area, formed the human chain.
The speakers also demanded the government implement the Teesta masterplan.
"We have the right to get our share of Teesta water", said Nazrul Islam Hakkani, president of the parishad.
He claimed that people of 42 unions of five districts in the northern region have been affected by the severe disruption of Teesta. Signing of the Teesta deal and implementing the masterplan can ease the sufferings of millions of people.
He claimed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina started a 4-day state tour to India, but mysteriously, the issue of Teesta deal is not in her agenda.
River researcher Dr Tuhin Wadud said improving bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India with equity in mind can be helpful to sign the Teesta deal.
Tuhin put forth some proposals, including maintaining flow of Teesta's waters throughout the year, ensuring a fair share of the water, re-establishment of river connections with branches and sub-branches of Teesta river, restoring navigation, and removing encroachers from Teesta and other rivers.
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