Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan spoke at a media briefing during her visit to the ongoing riverbank protection works near Gharialdanga in Kurigram. Photo: PID

KURIGRAM, July 15, 2025 (BSS) - Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said the government is working on a priority basis to check river bank erosion along the Teesta River. 

She shared that out of the 45 kilometres of the most erosion-prone areas of the Teesta, riverbank protection work is already underway along 19 kilometres, while funding has been secured for the remaining 26 kilometres — construction on which will begin soon.

Rizwana, also the environment, forest and climate change adviser, made the remarks while briefing media during her visit to the ongoing riverbank protection works near Gharialdanga Khitabkha Government Primary School in Rajarhat Upazila, Kurigram.

She noted that the demand for a permanent embankment to control Teesta erosion is legitimate. 

However, such a project requires long-term planning and time for implementation, she said. 

So, the adviser said, the present government is focusing on emergency protection works in the most vulnerable areas within a short time.

Responding to questions, she said the Teesta water-sharing treaty is a rightful demand of the people of Bangladesh. 

The government is pursuing this treaty in accordance with international law, she said. 

She also informed that five public hearings have already been held as part of the formulation of the Teesta Master Plan, with participation from both local and international experts.

Rizwana said feedback and recommendations from these hearings have been forwarded to the relevant ministries, and the plan will be finalised based on a consensus of expert opinions.

Md. Enayet Ullah, Director General of the Bangladesh Water Development Board; Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Chief Engineer, Rangpur BWDB; Nusrat Sultana, Deputy Commissioner of Kurigram; Md. Mahfuzur Rahman, Superintendent of Police, Kurigram; Md. Subedar Islam, Conservator of Forests, Rangpur Region; Nur Alam, director of Department of Environment; and Md. Rakibul Islam, Executive Engineer of BWDB, Kurigram; accompanied the adviser during her visit.

Later, Adviser Rizwana Hasan also visited the riverbank protection works near Gatiasham Clinic in Rajarhat Upazila and the ongoing right-bank protection work upstream of the Panjarbhanga Railway Bridge in Kaunia Upazila, Rangpur.

She also interacted with local people during her visit.