China-Bangladesh river projects: BNP's Hafiz calls for progression

In the heart of the capital, the Jatiya Press Club played host to a significant event organized by Samajik Chinta Forum. The event, titled "Bangladesh's Water Crisis and Fair Share of Common River Water and What to Do," saw a gathering of intellectuals and politicians, including Economist Prof Anu Muhammad, politician Saiful Haque, journalist Abu Sayeed Khan, Prof Abdus Sattar, Engineer BD Rahmat Ullah, and others.

Ranjan Das Shibu moderated the event, while BUET Professor Dr. Mostafa Ali presented the keynote paper. The event was chaired by Kamal Hossain Badal, the convener of Samajik Chinta Forum.

The discussion centred around the state of Bangladesh's rivers, a topic of great concern for the nation. According to Prof Anu Muhammad, the rivers in Bangladesh have lost their shape due to various projects on many rivers. He lamented that despite being a riverine country, Bangladesh is being deprived of pure water due to river encroachment and pollution.

Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram, a former water resources minister, echoed these concerns, stating that the navigability of Bangladesh's rivers has decreased due to the construction of countless dams in India. He further claimed that the construction of the Farakka dam has made 20 rivers in Bangladesh dead.

The issue of India's participation in the Joint River Commission has been a contentious one. With India showing reluctance in the meetings, Bangladesh is looking to move forward with its river projects, potentially with China. Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram also argued that Bangladesh should have signed the UN Water Convention in 1997.

Saiful Haque emphasized the need for a national consensus to address the water crisis in Bangladesh and achieve a fair share of the water of common rivers. He underscored the importance of cooperation among all stakeholders to safeguard the nation's water resources.

Professor Anu Muhammad did not mince words when he stated that the Sundarbans are at the brink of destruction at the stroke of Sheikh Hasina's pen. He attributed the destruction of Bangladesh's rivers and loss of land on the border to political short-sightedness.

Many projects undertaken by the Water Development Board of the Bangladesh government have contributed to the destruction of river water bodies, according to Professor Anu Muhammad. He urged for a rethinking of these projects to ensure the sustainable use of water resources.

The event served as a platform for these concerns to be voiced and discussed, marking a significant step towards addressing the water crisis in Bangladesh. The nation now awaits decisive action to protect its rivers and secure its rightful share of water from common rivers.