River water not just about politics; it's about diplomacy, economics too: Adviser Rizwana
Rizwana highlighted the ongoing challenges related to the Teesta River, noting that despite 53 years of discussions, a formal agreement on water-sharing has yet to be signed
Environment, Forests and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan emphasised the urgent need for action on river water management between Bangladesh and its upstream neighbour.
Speaking during a visit to a flood-damaged embankment in Feni's Parshuram Upazila, she declared that the era of government inaction or silence on such critical issues is over.
"We must remember that river water is not just about politics; it's about diplomacy and economics too," she said. "We are here to understand the suffering and expectations of our people and to engage in meaningful talks with the upstream country accordingly."
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Rizwana, also the water resources adviser, highlighted the ongoing challenges related to the Teesta River, noting that despite 53 years of discussions, a formal agreement on water-sharing has yet to be signed. She stressed the humanitarian aspect of the issue, urging both nations to reach a consensus on water management and disaster response.
"Even if the agreement results in less water for us, that's another matter. But we must save the people of our country. Our neighbor cannot ignore this demand. We have prepared an outline of the information we need and how we will approach discussions, which will be finalized after further talks," she added.
The adviser made these remarks following a visit to the flood-ravaged Ballamukha embankment at 11:30am today.
Accompanying her were Nazmul Ahsan, secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources; Feni Deputy Commissioner Musammat Shahina Akter; Superintendent of Police Md Habibur Rahman; and Lt Col Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain, commander of the 4th BGB Battalion in Feni, along with other government officials.
