Govt to Build Padma, Teesta Barrages for Water Security

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday announced that the government will move ahead with the construction of both the Padma and Teesta barrages to address water shortages, support agriculture, and reduce climate-related risks.

He made the announcement while speaking at a civic gathering in Gazipur after laying the foundation stone of the National Institute of Disaster Management Research and Training at Sataish Chowrasta.

“I want to make one thing clear today, InshaAllah, this BNP government will begin work on both the Padma Barrage and the Teesta Barrage,” he said.

The Prime Minister, also Chairman of BNP, said the government has taken practical steps regarding the Teesta issue and accused other political parties of making promises without delivering results.

He said BNP-led efforts on the Teesta project were carried out in a structured way under Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, adding that no other party had advanced the issue in a similar manner.

Explaining the need for the Padma Barrage, he said reduced water flow in the dry season has created serious challenges for agriculture and the environment, particularly in the northern and southern regions, including Rajshahi.

He said upstream water withdrawal through barrages across the border has contributed to lower river flow, especially during the dry months.

“As a result, we are receiving less water in the dry season. River flow is decreasing, and surrounding areas are gradually drying up. That is why we need the Padma Barrage,” he said.

He added that the project would help store monsoon water and ensure supply during dry periods for farming and other needs.

On the Teesta, he said reduced water flow has also increased salinity in the southern region, affecting agriculture and threatening ecosystems, including the Sundarbans.

He warned that rising salinity is damaging trees and pushing several species toward decline.

Turning to climate change, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh has experienced noticeable shifts in weather patterns, including higher temperatures and irregular seasonal changes.

He recalled earlier years when seasonal weather patterns were more predictable, saying current conditions reflect clear signs of climate change.

He also emphasised the need for environmental protection amid population pressure and shrinking land resources.

Referring to infrastructure concerns, he said he recently saw large areas of exposed riverbed while travelling and suggested that such changes reflect long-term environmental shifts.

The Prime Minister also mentioned tree loss in different development projects and said efforts should be made to protect forests whenever possible.

He said disaster management must focus on preparedness, awareness, and research, noting that natural disasters cannot be prevented but their impact can be reduced.

The new institute in Gazipur, he added, will focus on research related to earthquakes, floods, and tidal surges, along with climate adaptation strategies.

He also stressed the importance of canal excavation to preserve water during dry seasons and support agriculture.

Calling for stronger environmental awareness, he urged people to plant trees, conserve water, and reduce environmental damage.

Bangladesh, he said, remains highly vulnerable to disasters due to its geography and population density, making efficient resource management essential.

Earlier, he formally laid the foundation stone of the National Institute of Disaster Management Research and Training.

The event was chaired by Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu and attended by senior government officials and local representatives.