en.Wedoany.com Reported - Bangladesh's Prime Minister and Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Tarique Rahman, announced at an event in Gazipur on May 20, 2026, that if the BNP comes to power, it will launch the Padma Barrage and Teesta Barrage projects. He stated that a BNP government would advance these two major water infrastructure projects to address the country's water scarcity during the dry season and the problem of seawater intrusion in the southern regions.
Tarique Rahman made the remarks at a public rally following the foundation stone laying ceremony for the National Institute of Disaster Management Research and Training building. He pointed out that on the Indian side, barrages are being built and diverting river water, resulting in Bangladesh receiving less water during the dry season. The BNP government plans to build a barrage on the Padma River in Rajshahi to ensure farmers receive water on time during both the monsoon and dry seasons. He also warned that the operation of the Farakka Barrage has led to seawater intrusion in the southern region, exacerbating salinization in areas like the Sundarbans, damaging plants and causing animal extinction, making it necessary to build barrages to store excess monsoon rainwater for use during the dry season.
Speaking on climate change and environmental degradation, Tarique Rahman noted that even in January, winter is no longer as cold as it used to be. He observed significant environmental changes at the Gazipur event location, which was underwater 20 to 25 years ago and surrounded by many trees, but has now mostly been converted into buildings. He mentioned that large numbers of trees were felled in the Cox's Bazar region to accommodate approximately 1.3 million Rohingya people. Furthermore, a proposed road project from the Cox's Bazar coastal beach to Ukhia was initially designed requiring the felling of about 3,000 trees; he instructed the relevant minister to consult with engineers to carry out construction without cutting down trees.
Tarique Rahman also highlighted the severe issue of groundwater depletion. He cited the example of Dhaka's Gulshan and Cantonment areas, where water could previously be accessed by digging just 20 to 25 feet underground, but now reportedly requires drilling to 600 to 700 feet. Farmers pumping water through deep tube wells to produce food for a population of 200 million has led to the emptying of groundwater reserves, creating cavities beneath the surface that could potentially cause land subsidence. He reiterated the BNP's election pledge, stating that after forming the government, a canal excavation plan has been initiated, linking canal digging closely with people's livelihoods, agricultural production, and earthquake risks.
The Prime Minister noted that even minor natural disasters cause significant losses to Bangladesh, destroying crops and causing livestock losses. Therefore, the two main objectives following the inauguration of the new institute are to study changing weather patterns and to train the public in disaster preparedness and response. He emphasized that while natural disasters cannot be prevented, public awareness and understanding can be enhanced. Minister of Disaster Management and Relief Asadur Habib Dulu, State Minister M. Iqbal Hossain, and Director General of the Department of Disaster Management Rizwanur Rahman spoke at the event. The program began with the screening of a documentary produced by the Department of Disaster Management, and a commemorative crest was presented to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister's Defense Advisor, retired Brigadier General Dr. AKM Shamsul Islam, members of parliament, and senior government officials attended the event.
This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com
