New S Asia impossible if promises are broken
Says HR commission boss
Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) forms a human chain at Dhaka University protesting the construction of Tipaimukh dam yesterday. Photo: STAR
Expressing concern over India's initiative to construct the Tipaimukh dam, National Human Rights Commission Chairman Dr Mizanur Rahman yesterday said it was impossible to create a new South Asia when neighbours broke promises. “Dams will be built on flowing rivers without your even realising it. It was promised that the initiative would be taken after discussions. “If the promise is broken then with whom will you establish friendly relations? How will you dream of building a new South Asia?” said Mizanur. Mizanur was addressing a seminar, “Human Rights and Dignity of Indigenous Peoples in South Asia: Bangladesh Context”, at the auditorium of Institute of Business Administration in Dhaka University. India is pressing ahead with plans to build the controversial dam on the Barak river in its northeastern Manipur state, ignoring bilateral agreements and international laws and conventions. Protesting the Indian move, different political parties and social organisation leaders of Bangladesh yesterday expressed concern over the environmental disaster and economic crisis it would induce downstream. Awami League Presidium member Obaidul Quader, addressing a discussion organised by Janatar Prottasha at Dhaka Reporters Unity, said it would be unfortunate if India resumed the dam's construction by ignoring the promise, says a statement. Communist Party of Bangladesh President Manjurul Ahsan Khan and General Secretary Mujahidul Islam Selim, in another statement, said the construction would adversely affect the lives and livelihood of Bangladeshis. In another press release, Bangladesh Biplobi Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque urged the government to take necessary steps in stopping the construction of the dam. In separate statements, Tipaimukh Badh Protirodh Committee Chief Coordinator Advocate Abed Raja termed the construction “destructive” while Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal urged India to stop the construction.
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