Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu spoke to journalists after laying the foundation stone of a bridge over Saniajan River. Photo : BSS

RANGPUR, Aug 15, 2026 (BSS) - Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu has said that the main work of the Teesta Master Plan (TMP) will visibly start from next year after completing the necessary technical tests and inspections.

"The government is moving ahead in a planned manner to ensure long-term and sustainable development around Teesta River," he said.

He said this in response to questions from journalists after laying the foundation stone of a bridge over the Saniajan River in the Kuchlibari area of Patgram upazila of Lalmonirhat on this afternoon.

The minister said that there will be no rush in implementing such a big project like the Teesta Master Plan to ensure its sustainability and effectiveness.

"The highest importance is being given to ensuring that public money is not wasted and that the project remains effective in the long term. For this, all concerned will have to be patient," he said.

Highlighting the need for the Teesta Master Plan, he said, Teesta is deeply connected to the livelihood and economy of the people of the northern region.

There has been a long-standing movement demanding a fair share of the Teesta river's water. A large number of people from Rangpur division were involved in this movement.

"In this reality, the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan has been given priority," he said.

Informing about the government's plan to deal with the water crisis during the dry season, he said that the technical team is working on various strategies for Teesta water conservation and management.

There is also a proposal to build another barrage downstream of Teesta.

A special seminar was held at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) on July 18 in this regard.

The minister said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is sincere in implementing the Teesta Master Plan quickly. 

However, since it is a huge project, every aspect of it needs to be properly verified. The main stage of implementation will be moved only after the technical tests are completed.

"Although it may take time, emphasis is being placed on ensuring that no economic or technical complications arise in the future," he said.

Regarding the flood situation in the country, he said that necessary relief assistance has been provided to the flood-affected people in the current season.

Assistance activities for the affected people will continue. In addition, work is underway to repair the roads under the LGED affected by the flood, he said.

Earlier, the minister formally inaugurated the construction of the new four-storey building of Patgram Police Station.

At that time, Lalmonirhat-1 constituency MP Barrister Hasan Rajib Pradhan, Patgram Upazila Nirbahi Officer Deep Jan Mitra, District BNP Organizing Secretary Sayedul Islam Patwari Saju, officials of the Department of Agricultural Extension and other officials were present.