Desk News

Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has announced that his government will initiate work on both the Padma Barrage and Teesta Barrage projects, describing them as essential steps toward ensuring water security, supporting agriculture, and addressing the growing challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation in Bangladesh.

Speaking at a civic gathering after laying the foundation stone of the National Disaster Management Research and Training Institute on May 20, Tarique Rahman emphasized that effective water management has become one of the country’s most urgent priorities. He said the government has already taken a policy decision to move forward with the Padma Barrage project and reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the long-discussed Teesta Barrage initiative.

The Prime Minister argued that Bangladesh faces increasing difficulties due to reduced water flows during the dry season, partly because of upstream water diversion projects beyond the country’s borders. According to him, the construction of strategic barrages would allow Bangladesh to better regulate and store water resources, ensuring that farmers and local communities receive adequate water supplies throughout the year.

Tarique Rahman stressed that the proposed Padma Barrage would play a critical role in preserving excess monsoon water that could later be utilized during periods of drought and water scarcity. He noted that many regions of the country, particularly in the north and south, suffer from insufficient water availability during the dry season, negatively affecting agricultural production and rural livelihoods.

The Prime Minister also highlighted concerns regarding the environmental consequences associated with the Farakka Barrage. He warned that reduced freshwater flow has contributed to increasing salinity intrusion in Bangladesh’s southern coastal regions. According to him, saline water is gradually affecting ecosystems, agricultural lands, and biodiversity, including parts of the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest and one of Bangladesh’s most valuable natural resources.

He pointed out that rising salinity levels have already damaged vegetation and threatened wildlife habitats in coastal areas. For this reason, he argued that retaining and managing freshwater through domestic water infrastructure projects has become a necessity rather than an option. By storing monsoon water and improving water distribution systems, Bangladesh can better protect its agricultural economy while preserving fragile ecosystems.

Beyond water management, Tarique Rahman devoted significant attention to the broader issue of climate change. Reflecting on personal experiences from his student days, he observed that winters in Bangladesh have become noticeably milder over the years. He cited changing weather patterns as evidence of the growing impact of global climate change and emphasized the importance of scientific research and public awareness in responding to environmental challenges.

The Prime Minister also addressed concerns regarding rapid urbanization and environmental degradation. He remarked that many areas once covered by water bodies and vegetation have been transformed into densely developed urban zones. The disappearance of trees and natural landscapes, he suggested, has contributed to ecological imbalance and increased vulnerability to environmental hazards.

Referring to the situation in Cox’s Bazar, Tarique Rahman discussed the environmental impact of hosting approximately 1.3 million Rohingya refugees. He recalled visiting Teknaf nearly two decades ago when the region was heavily forested. Today, however, large areas have been cleared to accommodate refugee settlements, resulting in substantial deforestation. While recognizing the humanitarian necessity of providing shelter to displaced people, he highlighted the environmental consequences that have accompanied the crisis.

The Prime Minister also revealed his intervention in a proposed road construction project connecting Cox’s Bazar and Ukhiya. After reading reports that approximately 3,000 trees might be cut down to facilitate the project, he said he immediately contacted the responsible minister and instructed officials to redesign the project in a way that would minimize or eliminate the need for tree removal. His comments underscored the government’s stated commitment to balancing infrastructure development with environmental conservation.

Another major issue raised by Tarique Rahman was the depletion of groundwater resources. He explained that areas such as Gulshan and Cantonment in Dhaka once had accessible groundwater at relatively shallow depths. Today, however, residents reportedly need to drill hundreds of feet deeper to reach water reserves. The Prime Minister warned that excessive extraction of groundwater, particularly for agricultural irrigation, could create serious long-term risks for the country.

He noted that Bangladesh’s farmers rely heavily on deep tube wells to produce food for a population of around 200 million people. Continuous withdrawal of underground water without sufficient replenishment, he cautioned, may eventually destabilize geological structures and increase environmental vulnerabilities. As a result, he emphasized the need for sustainable water management practices and alternative water conservation strategies.

Tarique Rahman highlighted canal excavation as another key component of the government’s environmental and agricultural agenda. He noted that the BNP had pledged to restore and excavate canals across the country and said implementation of the program has already begun. According to him, revitalized canal networks can improve irrigation, facilitate water drainage, reduce flooding, and contribute to groundwater recharge. He also suggested that proper water management could help reduce certain risks associated with environmental instability.

The Prime Minister further emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness in a country frequently affected by floods, cyclones, river erosion, and other natural hazards. He stated that while natural disasters cannot be prevented, their impact can be reduced through research, planning, training, and public awareness. The newly established National Disaster Management Research and Training Institute, he said, will serve as a center for studying changing weather patterns and educating communities on disaster response measures.

Calling for greater public participation in environmental protection and disaster preparedness, Tarique Rahman urged citizens to become more aware of how natural resources are used and preserved. He emphasized that Bangladesh possesses limited resources and must manage them responsibly to achieve sustainable development. Protecting water, forests, agricultural land, and ecological systems, he argued, is essential for ensuring economic growth and improving the quality of life for future generations.

The announcement of the Padma and Teesta Barrage projects therefore represents not only an infrastructure initiative but also a broader vision linking water security, agricultural productivity, environmental conservation, climate adaptation, and national development. Through these projects and related policies, the government aims to strengthen Bangladesh’s resilience against both present and future environmental challenges while supporting the livelihoods of millions of people across the country.