Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that the BNP-led government would move forward with major water management projects, including the Padma Barrage and Teesta Barrage, as part of efforts to address long-term water scarcity and agricultural needs in the country.
Speaking at a civic gathering after laying the foundation stone of the National Disaster Management Research and Training Institute in Gazipur on Wednesday, the Prime Minister said that preparations for these projects had already been shaped through earlier BNP initiatives.
He said the government would prioritise construction of the Padma Barrage in the northern and southern regions, particularly in Rajshahi, to ensure better water availability during both dry and monsoon seasons. He noted that upstream water diversion by neighbouring countries has reduced Bangladesh’s water flow, making such infrastructure necessary.
Tarique Rahman also raised concerns about environmental impacts linked to reduced river flow, including salinity intrusion in the southern region and damage to the Sundarbans ecosystem.
Referring to climate change, he said seasonal patterns had changed significantly over the years, pointing to reduced winter intensity and rising temperatures.
He further highlighted groundwater depletion in urban areas such as Gulshan and Cantonment, saying water levels have dropped from shallow depths in the past to several hundred feet today, creating pressure on agriculture and urban supply systems.
The Prime Minister also spoke about deforestation linked to development projects and Rohingya settlements in Cox’s Bazar, stressing the need for balancing infrastructure growth with environmental protection.
He added that canal excavation initiatives had already begun under BNP’s plans, describing them as essential for agriculture, water management and disaster resilience.
