Rajshahi hopes for Modi's support for Ganges Barrage

Rajshahi city residents yesterday urged India's government to support Bangladesh's Ganges Barrage project, a critically important initiative to promote agriculture, protect the environment, and accelerate development of the country's south-western region.

They made the call from a rally in Aloka intersection area of the city, organised on the occasion of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, by Rajshahi Rakkha Sangram Parishad. Hundreds took part in it.

According to a June 4 report of the daily Prothom Alo, India earlier said Ganges Barrage would have adverse impacts in that country, but Bangladesh's government wants to allay the fear and expects a positive announcement during Modi's visit.

Quoting diplomats and water resources ministry officials, the Bangla newspaper said China was already interested in investing in the project. The World Bank also wants to invest but it will not do so if India objects, it added.

The proposed 2.1km long Ganges Barrage would retain monsoon water and feed many rivers in southern Bangladesh during winter and help control salinity.

Addressing the rally, Rajshahi Rakkha Sangram Parishad leaders also urged Bangladesh's government to advance the North Rajshahi Irrigation project to save three districts -- Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Naogaon -- from desertification.

President of the Parishad Liakat Ali chaired the rally, while its General Secretary Jamaat Khan, politicians Asaduzzaman, Debashish Pramanik, journalists Mustafijur Rahman Khan Alam, Hasan Millat, and businessman Rejaur Rahman spoke.