Dhaka, May 16 (V7N) – BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that the Farakka Water Sharing Agreement will remain in force until a new agreement is reached, otherwise the government may consider constructing the Padma Barrage.
He made the remarks while speaking at a discussion program organized by the BNP on the occasion of “Historic Farakka Long March Day” on Saturday (May 16).
Mirza Fakhrul said that no agreement will be signed that goes against Bangladesh’s national interests. He also claimed that the current approach toward regional water-sharing issues should prioritize protecting the country’s rights and long-term security.
“The Farakka Agreement cannot be signed for a specific period; it will remain in force until a subsequent agreement is reached. If not, the government has decided to build the Padma Barrage,” he said.
He further stated that decisions have been taken while ignoring pressure from other countries and external powers, and stressed that future water-sharing arrangements with India would depend on fair terms.
Senior BNP leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy also attended the discussion and called for national unity on the Farakka issue, regardless of political or ideological differences.
END/SMA/AJ
