Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has reaffirmed the government's commitment to implement the Teesta Master Plan at any cost, describing it as a national priority aimed at addressing the long-standing demand and water crisis in Bangladesh's northern region.
Speaking during the general discussion on the proposed national budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year in Parliament on Monday, chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, the prime minister announced what he described as a historic decision by the government.
In his address, Tarique Rahman outlined the government's long-term reform plans for the economy, agriculture, the creative economy, education and the energy sector.
He said the concerns of lawmakers from Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions, as well as the people of the northern region, over the Teesta River and water shortages were being given the highest priority and that the government was determined to find a permanent solution.
Highlighting the government's commitment to ensuring water rights for the people of the north, the prime minister said, "Our members of parliament, particularly those elected from the northern region, including Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions, have two major concerns—the Padma and Teesta rivers. The BNP government has always been pro-agriculture, and whenever we have had the opportunity to govern, we have worked to ensure people's right to water."
He also said the government had taken the initiative to construct the Padma Barrage to store excess monsoon water and ensure year-round irrigation for farmers during the dry season.
Referring to the Teesta project, the prime minister declared: "Inshallah, this government will implement the Teesta Master Plan at any cost as a matter of national priority."
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
