BNP Secretary General and LGRD minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir spoke at a discussion at the Central Shaheed Minar this afternoon marking the historic Farakka Long March Day. Photo: PID

DHAKA, May 16, 2026 (BSS)- BNP Secretary General and LGRD minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that the historic Farakka Long March organized by Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani from Rajshahi to Kansat border of Chapai-Nawabganj to protest the unilateral withdrawal of Ganges river water by India is a symbol of harmony against hegemony.

“The long march is a symbol of how a nation can be well-organized to stand against international conspiracy and hegemony,” he said.

Fakhrul Islam made the remarks at a discussion organized by the Bhasani Janashakti Party at the Central Shaheed Minar this afternoon marking the historic Farakka Long March Day.

He thanked Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for his historic and timely decision to construct the Padma Barrage saying once the barrage is constructed, it will allow us to give international pressure to resolve the crisis and other environmental issues as well. 

The BNP secretary general said the statements currently being propagated against Bangladesh are by no means positive for the friendly relations between the two countries.

"India is our largest neighbour. We don’t want any quarrel or fight with our neighbour; we want good relations. But when our innocent citizens are shot dead on our border, we cannot accept that under any circumstances," he said urging India to stop border killings immediately.

Recalling that the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty expires in December 2026, Mirza Fakhrul said, "For the sake of the country, for the sake of the people, and to secure our fair share of river water, all political forces and the people of the nation, regardless of party affiliation, must unite now.” 

“This is not a fight of any single party or government; this is a fight for the very existence of the entire nation," he said.

Chairman of the Bhasani Janashakti Party Bir Muktijoddha Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablu presided over the discussion moderated by the party's General Secretary Dr. Abu Yusuf Selim.