PM signals big push on barrages to fight climate risks

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced that his government will commence work on both the Padma and Teesta barrage projects, aiming to tackle water shortages, protect agriculture, and address climate-related risks affecting the country.

Speaking at a civic gathering following the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the National Institute of Disaster Management Research and Training at Sataish Chowrasta in Gazipur on Wednesday, the Prime Minister, who is also Chairman of the ruling BNP, said: “Today, before all of you, I want to make one thing clear – InshaAllah, this BNP government will begin work on the Padma Barrage and also on the Teesta Barrage.”

Referring to other political parties without naming them, Tarique Rahman emphasised BNP’s proactive approach on the Teesta issue. “Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu has led BNP programmes on the Teesta in a way no other party has done. Others may have made strong speeches and promises, but if anyone has delivered results and laid the groundwork for action, it is BNP. InshaAllah, BNP will do it,” he said.

The Prime Minister explained the need for the Padma Barrage, highlighting that water flow in the Padma River decreases during the dry season as India withdraws water upstream, creating environmental and agricultural challenges. “During the dry season, the river flow is decreasing, and areas around the river are gradually drying up. When we were young, the Padma was full of water all around.

Now the river has much less water. That is why we want to build the Padma Barrage,” he said. The barrage, he added, will ensure water supply for farmers and communities across the country during both monsoon and dry seasons.

Tarique Rahman also noted the impact of reduced water flow from the Farakka Barrage, which allows saline sea water to penetrate further into southern regions, threatening agriculture and ecosystems, including the Sundarbans. “Trees are being damaged, and various species of animals are disappearing due to rising salinity. To address this, we must build the barrage and store water, preserving excess monsoon water for later use,” he said.

Addressing climate change, the Prime Minister reflected on noticeable shifts in weather patterns. “It feels very hot these days. When we were at school, winters were colder, and summers were less intense. Today, many people hardly wear warm clothing in December or January.

These changes are clear signs that our climate is shifting,” he said. He also observed environmental changes while travelling to the venue, noting areas that were once water bodies now lying dry, highlighting the need for greater conservation efforts.

On deforestation, Tarique Rahman raised concerns over tree felling for Rohingya shelters in Cox’s Bazar and a proposed beach road to Ukhiya, which would require cutting around 3,000 trees. He instructed authorities to redesign the road to save the trees.

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of public awareness, canal excavation programmes, and careful resource management. “Bangladesh is a disaster-prone and densely populated country. We cannot stop disasters, but we can protect people and resources, reduce damage, and prepare communities,” he said.

The newly founded National Institute of Disaster Management Research and Training will focus on research into climate change, disaster preparedness, and water management, helping Bangladesh tackle floods, tidal surges, and other natural hazards. The programme was chaired by Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu and attended by State Minister M Iqbal Hossain, Secretary Md Saidur Rahman Khan, Director General of the Department of Disaster Management Razwanur Rahman, and other senior officials. Commemorative gifts were presented to the Prime Minister by Minister Dulu and Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Md Nurul Karim Bhuiyan.