Photo: BSS

RANGPUR, Oct 24, 2025 (BSS) - The people of all five districts of greater Rangpur will observe a 'Stabdha Rangpur' (Silent Rangpur) programme on October 30 next demanding the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan (TMP).

Chief Coordinator of the Teesta River Protection Movement and BNP Organizing Secretary for Rangpur division Principal Asadul Habib Dulu announced the programme, which will be observed from 11:00 am to 11:15 am as part of the ongoing movement to save the Teesta River.

The movement committee has called upon everyone in society to stop all forms of activity for 15 minutes to express unity for the protection and survival of the Teesta River as a symbol of the Teesta region's rightful demand. .
 
The 15-minute silence will echo the united protest of the Teesta's people, conveying the message: "If Teesta remains alive, North Bengal will remain alive; if Teesta remains alive, Bangladesh will remain alive." 
 
People from all walks of life, including students, teachers, farmers, workers, traders, buyers, sellers, transport owners and workers, and government and private officials, across five districts have been urged to stop their work for 15 minutes in solidarity.
 
Drivers of all types of vehicles-motorcycles, bicycles, trucks, buses, and trains-have been requested to halt their vehicles and remain in place for 15 minutes. 
 
In educational institutions, teachers will refrain from conducting classes, while students will suspend their academic activities during that time.
 
The movement committee has called upon everyone in society to stop all forms of activity for 15 minutes to express unity for the protection and survival of the Teesta River.
 
Principal Asadul Habib Dulu, said, "If the government does not begin work on the Teesta Master Plan with its own funding before the announcement of the election schedule, we will wage a larger movement together with the people living along the Teesta."
 
The people of northern Bangladesh are now united in their demand for the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan. 
 
"The Teesta is not just a river, it symbolizes our life, livelihood, and culture. The fate of millions living in its basin depends on the restoration of its water flow and vitality," Dulu, also former deputy minister, said.
 
Earlier, under the banner of the 'Teesta River Protection Movement', a series of programs were observed across five districts of Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, Nilphamari, Kurigram, and Gaibandha in the greater Rangpur region. 
 
On February 17 and 18 this year, around 15 lakh people observed sit-in programs at 11 points along the Teesta River in all five districts of the greater Rangpur. 
 
On October 5, memoranda were sent to the Chief Adviser through the deputy commissioners, and on October 9, mass processions were held in upazila towns of greater Rangpur.
 
In addition, in the evening on October 16, people from both banks of the Teesta River simultaneously lit torches as part of a torchlight procession while participants chanted slogans such as "Wake up, save the Teesta," "We demand Teesta's fair share," "Implement the Teesta Master Plan," and "Brother Dulu has called, wake up and save the Teesta."
 
The fate of about two crore people living in the basin of this river is linked to the flow and revival of its water. 
 
The Teesta is currently the 'sorrow' of the people. The lives of people living along the Teesta have become miserable due to floods and droughts. 
 
And that is why millions of people of Teesta have come together to save Teesta and demand the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan to make the river a blessing for them.
 
The movement demanding the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan is gradually becoming more intense. 
 
The Teesta riverside people hope that if the Teesta Master Plan is implemented, then the lifeline of the north will change. This region will benefit economically. Therefore, they urgently want the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan.
 
The movement leaders reaffirmed their firm resolve that the campaign would continue until the Teesta Master Plan is implemented.