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Fakhrul Urges India to Resolve Teesta Issue and End Border Killings
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday urged India to resolve the Teesta water-sharing issue, halt border killings, and abandon its 'big brother' attitude in order to foster better relations with the people of Bangladesh.
Speaking at a gathering in Lalmonirhat, Fakhrul said, "To maintain a relationship with the people of Bangladesh, India must ensure our fair share of Teesta water, stop shooting our people along the border, and abandon the ‘big brother’ attitude.”
Fakhrul made these remarks while inaugurating a two-day programme in five northern districts, organized by the Teesta River Protection Movement under the theme "Jago Bahe Teesta Bachai," which also called for the immediate implementation of the Teesta Mega Project.
He urged the interim government to take a firmer stance in securing Bangladesh's rightful share of Teesta water, emphasizing that the country wants to stand independently and claim its rightful share of resources from its neighbor.
While acknowledging the desire for friendly relations with India, Fakhrul stressed that such a relationship must be based on mutual respect and dignity. "Many hoped that India would ensure Bangladesh’s Teesta water rights after the Awami League came to power in 2009, but nothing happened. The Awami League sold Bangladesh to India and couldn’t secure even a drop of water," he said.
Addressing the sudden rise in Teesta water levels threatening vegetable farming in Lalmonirhat, Fakhrul accused India of withholding water while simultaneously offering support to Bangladesh’s political rivals. "On one hand, they don’t provide us our water, and on the other, they host our enemy (Sheikh Hasina) in New Delhi like royalty," he added.
Fakhrul also criticized the Awami League for allegedly creating unrest in Bangladesh from India, saying, “From there, Sheikh Hasina instructs her party leaders to stir chaos in our country.”
Calling the current interim government "impartial," Fakhrul urged it to take a stand on the Teesta water issue, asserting, “The government must speak up to ensure our fair share of water.”
Additionally, Fakhrul urged the interim government to arrange for the next national election swiftly, to restore power to the people and their elected representatives.