Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced plans to construct barrages on the Padma and Teesta rivers to address growing water scarcity and boost agricultural production across the country.
Speaking as the chief guest at a public rally on the historic Madrasa ground in Rajshahi on Tuesday, the Prime Minister highlighted the severe drying up of the Padma River and the obstruction of its natural flow.
"We have decided to build barrages on two major rivers, the Teesta and the Padma to solve our pressing water crisis" the Prime Minister said. He emphasized that a barrage on the Padma River would benefit residents and farmers across approximately 14 districts, starting with Rajshahi.
Addressing transboundary water issues, Tarique Rahman assured that his administration would engage in diplomacy with neighboring authorities to secure Bangladesh’s fair share of water resources. "We will go as far as necessary to secure the water rights of the Bangladeshi people" he stated.
Underscoring his administration's focus on rural welfare, the Prime Minister noted that supporting farmers remains central to national economic resilience. He highlighted recent government welfare initiatives, including the distribution of Tk.120 million in incentives to nearly 39,000 sugarcane farmers, alongside fulfilling a key pledge to waive agricultural loans up to Tk.10,000 for around 1.3 million farmers within seven days of taking office. Furthermore, he outlined an ambitious plan to excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals nationwide over the next five years with 800 kilometers already completed in the last eight months.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister visited the Durga Puja mandap at the Rajshahi Dharmasabha (Radha Gobinda Temple) to exchange greetings with members of the Hindu community on Maha Navami.
Reaffirming constitutional guarantees, Tarique Rahman emphasized that every citizen enjoys equal rights regardless of religion, ethnicity or background. "Under our laws and Constitution, every citizen is entitled to equal opportunities. We must work together to build the Bangladesh we aspire to see" he said, presenting a financial grant of Tk.10 lakh to temple representatives.
The visit to Rajshahi formed part of a three-city national tour during the Durga Puja festival.
