Online Desk  :   BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called on India to end its “dadagiri” (big brotherly attitude) and take concrete steps to build a genuine friendship with Bangladesh.  Speaking at the ‘Jago Bahe-Teesta Bachai’ programme near the Teesta Railway Bridge in Lalmonirhat on Monday (February 17), Fakhrul demanded that India ensure a fair share of Teesta River water and halt border killings. “India must stop its dadagiri (big brotherly attitude) if it wants to be a true friend of Bangladesh. They need to provide Teesta water and end border killings. Only then can there be real friendship,” Fakhrul declared.

He criticised the Awami League government for failing to secure Teesta water during its 15-year rule. “When the Awami League came to power, people hoped India would finally share Teesta water. Instead, they sold out the country. Not a single drop of Teesta water was secured. India has unilaterally built dams upstream on 54 shared rivers, depriving us of water while sheltering our enemies and treating them like kings,” Fakhrul said.  Addressing the interim government, Fakhrul urged, “Tell India clearly that Bangladesh must receive its fair share of the Teesta.”

The event, chaired by Asadul Habib Dulu, chief coordinator of the Teesta River Protection Movement and BNP organising secretary, saw the participation of thousands of people who gathered along the Teesta River since morning. Central BNP leaders also spoke at the programme, emphasising the need to protect the Teesta and hold India accountable.