Farakka Dam is a “death trap” for Bangladesh: Mirza Fakhrul

PNN News Desk. Dhaka

Calling the Farakka Barrage a “death trap” for Bangladesh, BNP Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that unilateral construction of dams and water withdrawal on shared rivers poses a major threat to the country’s environment, agriculture, and biodiversity.

In a statement issued on Friday (May 16) on the occasion of “Farakka Day,” he made these remarks.

Mirza Fakhrul said that ignoring international laws and conventions, India has built various structures on 54 shared rivers flowing towards Bangladesh. As a result, natural river flow is being disrupted, and Bangladesh is increasingly being deprived of its fair share of water.

He further said that due to long-term water shortages, signs of desertification are appearing in the northwestern region of the country. He added that agricultural production, environmental balance, and local biodiversity are being negatively affected.

Highlighting the historical significance of Farakka Day, the BNP Secretary General said that nearly five decades ago, under the leadership of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, a historic long march was held demanding fair share of Ganges water. Through that movement, the issue gained international attention.

He claimed that the then government had allowed experimental operation of the Farakka Barrage ignoring public opinion, which later became permanent and created long-term crisis for Bangladesh.

Mirza Fakhrul said that water crisis is not only environmental but also a humanitarian and economic crisis. He emphasized the need for ensuring international fairness in water sharing of shared rivers.