Political Adviser to the Prime Minister and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday said the Farakka Barrage has caused severe environmental and economic consequences for both Bangladesh and India, arguing that the controversial structure has harmed natural river systems across the region.
He made the remarks while presiding over a discussion organised by the BNP to mark Historic Farakka Day, commemorating the Farakka Long March held on 16 May.
Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said the history and significance of the Farakka movement must be preserved for future generations, warning that many young people are gradually becoming disconnected from this important chapter of regional water politics.
He noted that while BNP previously observed the day through statements and limited programmes, this year the party arranged a broader discussion involving experts and researchers to deepen awareness among leaders and activists.
Highlighting BNP’s stance on foreign relations, Rizvi said the party supports friendly ties with neighbouring countries, but such relations should be based on fairness, mutual respect and national dignity.
Questioning the original justification behind the Farakka Barrage, Rizvi referred to Indian engineer Kapil Bhattacharya, who had reportedly warned decades ago about the project’s harmful effects.
According to Rizvi, Kapil Bhattacharya had described the barrage as a future disaster and resigned in protest after his concerns were ignored.
Rizvi also mentioned comments attributed to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who has reportedly criticised the Farakka Barrage due to its impact inside India, including flooding and environmental disruptions in parts of Bihar.
He further cited Indian environmental activists Medha Patkar and Himanshu Thakkar, saying they too have expressed concerns over the long-term ecological consequences of the project.
The BNP leader alleged that reduced water flow from the Ganges due to the barrage has intensified salinity intrusion, river degradation and arsenic contamination in several districts of Bangladesh, including Rajshahi, Rangpur, Pabna, Sirajganj, Kushtia and Jashore.
Drawing comparisons with river restoration efforts in the United States, Rizvi said some dams there were dismantled to restore natural water flow.
“When a river’s natural course is blocked, it eventually dies. In the long run, no country benefits from such actions,” he added.
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