Kurigram Correspondent:
A view-sharing meeting was held in Thetrai Union of Ulipur Upazila of Kurigram to inaugurate the Teesta Master Plan announced by the government in December 2025 during the tenure of the interim government and to implement the 6-point demands. The meeting was organized at the Hokdanga Fakirpara Adarsh Girls High School ground in Thetrai Union at 3 pm on Friday (September 19, 2025).
The meeting was chaired by the President of the Teesta Bachao, Nodi Bachao Sangram Parishad Central Committee, Principal Nazrul Islam Haqqani. The special guests were the organization’s Central General Secretary Shafiar Rahman, and the members of the Central Standing Committee, Principal Mohammad Ali, Bakhtiar Hossain Shishir and Mashiur Rahman. The meeting was presided over by Assistant Professor of Majida Adarsh Degree College Md. Muhsin Ali. The program was moderated by M. Alamgir Kabir (Khokon), Lecturer, RCCI Public School and College, Rangpur.
The speakers said that the Teesta Master Plan is a groundbreaking project for the economic development of the people not only of the northern region, but also of the entire country, increasing agricultural production, protecting the river, creating employment, generating electricity and advancing the shipping system. They warned that if effective steps are delayed even after the government’s announcement, disappointment among the people will increase. Therefore, they called for the fulfillment of six-point demands for the immediate implementation of the project.
Principal Nazrul Islam Haqqani said, “If the Teesta Master Plan is implemented, not only the river and the environment will be protected, but the livelihood, education and economic freedom of crores of people in the northern region will be ensured. We want this project to be inaugurated by December.”
Central General Secretary Shafiar Rahman said, “We have been continuing the movement for a long time. The interim government must now take firm steps to fulfill the expectations of the people.”
6-point demands of the Teesta movement
- Speedy implementation of the Teesta Master Plan, conclusion of the Teesta Agreement with India on the basis of fair share as a common river, and construction of a reservoir to maintain the flow of water in the river throughout the year.
- Restore the previous connection with the branches and tributaries of the Teesta River and activate navigation.
- Establish farmers’ cooperatives and agro-based industries to protect the interests of farmers in the Teesta Master Plan.
- Protect the interests of farmers affected by the erosion of the Teesta and rehabilitate the landless, homeless and fishermen, including those displaced by the river erosion.
- Free the land from encroachment by land grabbers and corporate companies, protect the Teesta and its branches and tributaries, and take strict legal action against illegal sand miners.
- Provide fair compensation to those affected by the implementation of the project and create employment opportunities on a priority basis for the people on the banks of the Teesta.
At the end of the meeting, the speakers raised the slogan “Prevent erosion, eliminate inequality, reduce poverty, create employment” and called on everyone to strengthen a united movement to implement the Teesta Master Plan.