Govt to build dams in a planned manner, says Rizwana

FENI, Sept 22 (UNB): Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, emphasised the urgent need for action on river water management between Bangladesh and its upstream neighbor.
She said the government would take initiative for planned construction of embankments at strategic locations to prevent flood.
In addition, the government is sincerely working for repairing the embankments and water regulators which were damaged in the recent flood.
Speaking during a visit to a flood-damaged embankment in Feni's Parshuram upazila, she declared the era of government inaction or silence on such critical issues is over.
"We must remember river water is not just about politics; it's about diplomacy and economics too. We are here to understand the suffering and expectations of our people and to engage in meaningful talks with the upstream country accordingly."
The adviser highlighted the ongoing challenges related to the Teesta River, noting that despite 53 years of discussions, a formal agreement on water-sharing has yet to be signed.
She stressed the humanitarian aspect of the issue, urging both nations to reach a consensus on water management and disaster response.
"Even if the agreement results in less water for us, that's another matter. But we must save the people of our country. Our neighbor cannot ignore this demand."
"We have prepared an outline of the information we need and how we will approach discussions, which will be finalised after further talks," she added.