Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today spoke at a discussion marking Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani’s historic Farakka Long March Day, at the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital this afternoon. Photo: PID

DHAKA, May 16, 2026 (BSS) –Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today said the government will take steps to renew the Ganga Water Treaty ahead of its expiry in December, prioritizing Bangladesh’s national interest.

He said the government would continue strong diplomatic efforts, in coordination with all stakeholders, to ensure Bangladesh’s rightful share of transboundary river waters through existing international frameworks and protocols.

The minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief speaker at a discussion marking Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani’s historic Farakka Long March Day, organised by the “Bhashani Janashakti Party” at the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital this afternoon.

Recalling Bhashani’s visionary leadership, he said that although no effective international water-sharing mechanism existed at the time, but the veteran leader had anticipated the harshness of the emerging water crisis.

He added that Bhashani’s politics was deeply rooted in public welfare and unity, and that he worked to mobilise people beyond divisions. 

“He believed that without a foundation of religious values, it is not possible to sustain our culture, democracy and secularism,” he said.

Swapon further said the current government stands closest to Bhashani’s ideology and upholds the “Sheaf of Paddy” symbol, which represents independence, sovereignty and a diplomatic path toward resolving the Farakka water dispute.

He called upon all democratic forces to unite in the national interest, stressing that water-sharing issues depend not only on treaties but also on strong bilateral diplomatic relations. 

He expressed hope that the government would resolve the long-standing issue through its popular mandate.

BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attended the programme as the chief guest.

Leaders from various political parties and organisations, including Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque, Ganoforum President Advocate Subrata Chowdhury, JSD General Secretary Shahid Uddin Mahmud Swapan, former Jahangirnagar University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Jasim Uddin Ahmed, former minister and BNP leader Noor Mohammad Khan and Convenor of Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Central Command Council Nayem Jahangir also spoke at the discussion.

Presided over by Bhashani Janashakti Party Chairman and freedom fighter Rafiqul Islam Bablu and moderated by party Secretary General Dr. Abu Yusuf Selim, the event saw speakers from various political and social organisations reaffirm their stance against unilateral water control and in support of Maulana Bhashani’s ideals.