The BNP yesterday set a precondition for India to be a friend of the people of Bangladesh: It must resolve the Teesta water-sharing issue first.

India must also stop border killings and abandon its "big brother" attitude, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said at the launch of Teesta River Protection Movement Committee's two-day programme in Lalmonirhat.

The programme with the slogan "Jago Bahe, Teesta Bachai" (Wake Up, Save the Teesta) has been organised at 11 locations in Kurigram, Rangpur, Nilphamari, and Gaibandha to demand a just share of Teesta water from India.

Rallies, processions, and cultural events are being held as part of the programme. Senior BNP leaders and their allies joined the events.

According to our Lalmonirhat and Dinajpur correspondents, the demonstrators, including students, locals, and BNP activists, were staying on Teesta shoals for the programme.

Other events, including cultural performances such as Palagan, Sarigan, Bhawaiya, and Lalon songs, and traditional rural games, including kabaddi, Chengupenti, kite flying, Gollachhoot, and races, were also organised.

People attend the Lalmonirhat rally. Photo: Star

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman will virtually join the programme at 11 locations across five districts today.

Party leaders called on the government to take a stronger stance to ensure a fair share of Teesta water for Bangladesh and implement the Teesta Mega Project. 

Fakhrul said, "We want to make it clear to India, as I have said before and am saying now: If you [India] want to be friends with the people of Bangladesh, then first ensure our just share of water from the Teesta. Stop the killings at the border. And stop treating us like you are the big brother.

"We certainly want India as a friend. But that friendship should come with respect."

Asadul Habib Dulu, chief coordinator of the Teesta River Protection Movement and an organising secretary of the BNP, presided over the rally in Lalmonirhat.

Appreciating Dulu for organising the programme, Fakhrul said "Jago Bahe Teesta Bachai" was not merely a slogan, it is crucial for the survival of the people living along the river, BSS reported.  

"When India opens the dams or barrage gates, floodwater washes away our houses, properties and villages. And then, the whole area dries up when India closes the dams or barrage gates, causing unending sufferings to our people.

"Nothing can be achieved without struggle. We will bring Teesta water and establish our rights through this struggle for survival," he added, according to the BSS.

It also reported that Fakhrul said Bangladesh always talked about the Teesta water issue, even before its independence from Pakistan.

"When the Awami League government came to power, everyone initially thought: 'Since the Awami League is friends with India, perhaps they will get Teesta's water.' Right? In 15 years, they have sold Bangladesh, but they couldn't bring a drop of water," he said.

"India has built dams not just on Teesta, but on 54 rivers upstream. They take the water and generate electricity, while our people can't grow rice or crops, and are deprived of their livelihoods. Our fishermen can't fish. Everyone is suffering today."

The BNP leader also criticised India for sheltering Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, who fled there after the fall of her regime on August 5 last year. "On one hand, they [India] don't give us water; on the other, our enemy is being hosted in Delhi like a king. From there, she issues various orders to the Awami Leaguers."

Fakhrul said the current government talks about impartiality, but it should not stay neutral on the Teesta water issue. "You need to speak up to ensure we receive our fair share of water."

He also called on the interim government to hand over power to elected representatives after holding the national polls quickly.

"In 1971, we fought the Liberation War against the Pakistani army, and the main objective of that war was to establish a democratic system. Through voting, we want to elect representatives who will speak for us in parliament and everywhere else. We want that vote."

"Some say that we are just talking about the election. The only reason we talk about it is that without it, where will the elected leaders come from? Who will speak for us? We need a representative. That's why we are talking about the election. If the election is held, the unrest in the country will end. Peace will come, and stability will return to the country," he added.

Addressing the rally, Biplobi Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque suggested the interim government go to the international court to get the fair share of Teesta water.

"We will organise a long march again if needed. We must win this fight for Teesta if we want to save the people of this region."