Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, emphasised the urgent need for action on river water management between Bangladesh and its upstream neighbour.
Speaking during a visit to a flood-damaged embankment in Feni’s Parshuram upazila, she declared that the era of government inaction or silence on such critical issues is over.
“We must remember that river water is not just about politics; it’s about diplomacy and economics too,” she said. “We are here to understand the suffering and expectations of our people and to engage in meaningful talks with the upstream country accordingly.”
The adviser highlighted the ongoing challenges related to the Teesta River, noting that despite 53 years of discussions, a formal agreement on water-sharing has yet to be signed. She stressed the humanitarian aspect of the issue, urging both nations to reach a consensus on water management and disaster response.
“Even if the agreement results in less water for us, that's another matter. But we must save the people of our country. Our neighbour cannot ignore this demand. We have prepared an outline of the information we need and how we will approach discussions, which will be finalised after further talks,” she added.
The adviser made these remarks following a visit to the flood-ravaged Ballamukha embankment at 11:30 am on Sunday.
Accompanying her were Nazmul Ahsan, secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources; Feni Deputy Commissioner Musammat Shahina Akter; Superintendent of Police Md Habibur Rahman; and Lt Col Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain, Commander of the 4th BGB Battalion in Feni, along with other government officials.
