Editorial, News & commercial office:
55/A, H M Siddique Mansion (Level-7), Purana Paltan, Motijhel C/A, Dhaka-1000. Phone: +8802226640056,
e-mail: [email protected], [email protected]
State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad
State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad, MP, has announced that physical implementation of the comprehensive Teesta Master Plan (TMP) will formally commence in 2027, fulfilling a major national pledge to transform the agrarian economy of the northern region.
The state minister made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon (August 26) while addressing a commemorative gathering organized on the occasion of Holy Eid-e-Miladunnabi (PBUH) in Chilahati town under Domar upazila, Nilphamari.
Reaffirming the ruling party's core developmental agenda for the drought- and flood-prone northern belt, Forhad Hossain Azad stated:
"The implementation of the Teesta Master Plan stands as a fundamental electoral pledge of our government. Once executed, this landmark river-management mega project will bring an end to the decades-long socio-economic distress and seasonal vulnerabilities endured by millions of people across the northern districts."
The state minister noted that the mega initiative is strategically designed not only to regulate water resources and mitigate riverbank erosion, but also to build self-sustaining livelihood ecosystems encompassing mechanized agriculture, integrated inland fish farming, and commercial duck rearing across riverine tracts.
Turning to agricultural inputs and market stability, Forhad addressed concerns regarding seasonal fertilizer distribution, alleging that opposing political quarters are actively attempting to fabricate artificial supply shortages to malign the administration's reputation. Pointing out that dealership networks sanctioned under the previous Awami League tenure remain functionally intact, he outlined structural reforms to decentralize and monitor distribution:
"To ensure smooth and unhindered access to fertilizers for grassroots farmers, the government will designate one verified dealer per union directly supervised by the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO). Law enforcement agencies must take immediate, uncompromising legal action against any unscrupulous syndicate attempting to sell agricultural inputs at inflated prices."
Concluding his address, the state minister called upon the community to unite and reflect the humanitarian and social values championed by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in daily civic life.
The event was attended by Domar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shayla Sayeed Tanvi, Domar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Habibullah, and former Domar Upazila BNP President Md. Reazul Islam Kalu, alongside local administrators and community representatives.
