Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of Nagorik Oikya, has urged political leaders to reassess their approach to securing Bangladesh’s fair share of Teesta River water. He criticized the ruling Awami League for aligning too closely with Indian interests, stating that even after a public uprising, India refuses to let Bangladesh prosper peacefully. Manna noted that unlike Pakistan, Bangladesh does not possess nuclear weapons or missiles to assert pressure and must therefore adopt smarter diplomatic strategies. He cited India’s gradual reduction of water promised in the Farakka agreement and questioned why the media remains silent about the issue. He also warned against handing over key national assets, such as the Chittagong port and internet infrastructure, to foreign entities.