48-hr sit-in begins for fair share of Teesta water

A 48-hour nonstop sit-in began on the Teesta shoal this morning, demanding a fair share of Teesta river water and the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan.

The demonstration is being held simultaneously across five districts—Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Rangpur, Nilphamari, and Gaibandha.

The Teesta River Protection Committee, led by BNP Organising Secretary and Lalmonirhat District BNP President Asadul Habib Dulu, launched the event with the slogan 'Jago Bahe Teesta Bachai' ( Wake up! save the Teesta) at 11:00am across a 130-kilometre stretch along the Teesta river.

BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is set to attend the programme as the chief guest later in the day, while BNP's acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, is expected to join the concluding session virtually tomorrow.

Dulu told The Daily Star that thousands of people from the Rangpur region have gathered along the river since this morning, with several lakhs expected to join the sit-in.

"We are demanding a fair share of Teesta river water and the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan. The people of this region are not staying at home right now; they have gathered here voluntarily," Dulu said.

Participants will remain at the Teesta shoal for 48 hours, engaging in cultural performances, including Palagan, Sarigan, Bhawaiya, Lalon songs, and other folk music. Traditional rural games such as Ha-Doo-Doo, Chengupenti, kite flying, Gollachoot, and races have also been organised.

"If the government does not accept our demands after this sit-in, we will announce further programmes at Teesta shoal," Dulu said.

Locals said that they suffer severe floods during the rainy season due to excess water released from upstream India.

However, in the dry season, India blocks Teesta's flow unilaterally, causing the river to dry up, leaving only sandy char lands.

As a result, over one lakh farmers, fishermen, and boatmen lose their livelihoods. Additionally, lack of dredging has led to severe river erosion, displacing thousands of families every year.

"If the Teesta river receives its fair share of water, and the Teesta Master Plan is implemented, the river will become a blessing for the Rangpur region. At present, it has turned into a curse," locals said.

Noor Islam, 65, a farmer from Char Gokunda in Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila, said they have been at the Teesta shoal since morning.

"We have set up tents to stay overnight. Food arrangements, including khichuri, have been made. We will remain here for 48 hours to press for our demands," he added.