Member of Parliament Barrister Mahabubul Alam Salehi from Kurigram-3 has accused the government of staging a show over the Teesta Master Plan by bringing in experts and conducting what he called a farce with local residents. Speaking at a human chain event on the banks of the Teesta River in Kaliganj, Lalmonirhat, on Saturday, June 20, he said that while protests occur in Teesta, the budget benefits go to Padma. Salehi urged the government to fulfill the prime minister’s pre-election pledge to implement the Teesta Master Plan and allocate funds from unused ministry budgets.

Kurigram-1 MP Anwarul Islam also criticized the absence of any allocation or outline for the Teesta project in the national budget, questioning the sincerity of those who once led the Teesta movement and now hold ministerial positions. He warned that Rangpur residents might besiege Dhaka if their demands remain unmet. Thousands of locals, including farmers and teachers, participated in the human chain, voicing frustration over water scarcity in the dry season and flooding during monsoon.

Participants called for immediate implementation of the Teesta Master Plan to improve livelihoods and end regional disparities.