Raise Teesta water issue to UN, BNP to govt

BNP today called upon the government to raise the issue of 58 common rivers including Teesta with India to United Nations for getting fair share of water.

Addressing at a human chain in Dhaka, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also urged the government to forge a unity among all political parties to realise the fair share of water.

Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal organised the programme in front of National Press Club demanding that all deals signed with India during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent visit be made public.

“We want to say unequivocally that our movement is not for only a netri (leader), not for any party. The movement is rather for restoring people’s right, movement for protecting country’s independence and sovereignty,” Fakhrul said.

Pointing to PM’s India visit, Fakhrul said: “You [Hasina] have failed to bring water -- which was one of the main demands of the country’s people. We are calling upon (the government) to raise the Teesta River water sharing issue to United Nations.”   

CRITICISM FOR ARREST WARRANT ON SHAKOO

Addressing a separate press conference at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, Fakhrul criticised the government over the arrest warrant floated against Comilla city’s newly-elected Mayor Monirul Hoque Shakoo.

“The case was filed in 2008. Now, all of a sudden, the charge sheet has been pressed and an arrest warrant has been floated immediately. We condemn this,” he said.

Fakhrul alleged it was a politically influenced lawsuit against Shakoo. He demanded that the “false case” be withdrawn and Shakoo to be reinstated at the mayor’s seat immediately.