Photo: BSS

CHAPAINAWABGANJ, (BSS) - The BNP's Shibganj upazila unit of the districts today staged a mammoth rally titled "Save the Padma" at the premises of Shibganj Government Model School, demanding the country's fair share of the Padma River's water.

The event drew a massive turnout of BNP leaders, activists and local residents who voiced their grievances over the worsening water crisis and urged effective measures to protect the river and the livelihoods dependent on it.

Professor Shahjahan Miah, Adviser to the BNP Chairperson and former MP from Chapainawabganj-1, addressed the rally as the chief guest. Former MPs Harunur Rashid (Chapainawabganj-3) and Aminul Islam (Chapainawabganj-2) attended as chief speaker and special guest, respectively.

Prof. Shahjahan Miah said the rally's main objective was to protect the Padma River, which has been suffering from severe water shortages due to India's Farakka Barrage. 

"Due to the Farakka Barrage, the river faces a severe water crisis during the dry season. In contrast, during the monsoon, when all the gates of the barrage are opened, large-scale floods and erosion occur across the Padma basin," he said.

"Bangladesh's economy is agriculture-based and water is the lifeline of agriculture. To save our country, we must save our rivers -- there is no alternative to unity," he added.

Chief speaker Harunur Rashid said the rally sought to build nationwide awareness about the Padma's crisis. 

"The Farakka Barrage is one of Bangladesh's major problems. India's unilateral withdrawal of water from the Ganges through the Farakka Barrage has caused an acute water shortage. Despite having a water-sharing treaty with India, the outcome has not been satisfactory," he said.

Aminul Islam said, "We want to build an unstoppable movement with the people to secure Bangladesh's fair share of the Padma's water. We will do whatever it takes to protect our existence."