Jamaat Leader Shafiqur Rahman Demands Immediate Teesta Project Implementation at Rangpur Rally

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Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has issued a stern condemnation of the current administration’s silence regarding border tensions with India, accusing the government of failing to address cross-border violence and the ongoing crisis of border killings. Speaking as the chief guest at an 11-party unity rally at Rangpur Zila School grounds on Saturday, Rahman praised the residents of border areas for their resilience, noting that citizens are standing alongside Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel to resist incursions.

The rally, organized to address a spectrum of regional and national grievances, centered on demands for the implementation of the Teesta River Master Plan, the execution of a public referendum, and an end to both border killings and the practice of “push-ins.” Rahman directed a sharp warning toward the government, urging officials to respect the public’s aspirations rather than ignoring the clear mandate of the people. He emphasized that there is no room for delay regarding the Teesta project, declaring that the movement for a referendum remains non-negotiable.

Opposition Chief Whip and National Citizens Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam presided over the rally, focusing his criticism on the potential return of deposed leader Sheikh Hasina. Addressing rumors of a planned December return, Islam stated that the public is prepared for her arrival, asserting that those who flee the country in the wake of instability have no place in its future. He further claimed that Hasina is attempting to incite unrest from New Delhi and challenged the government to send a clear message to India regarding her status.

Islam also criticized the performance of the current leadership, specifically targeting the outcomes of recent diplomatic efforts in China. He characterized the recent state visit as a failure, citing a lack of concrete commitments regarding the Teesta project and the repatriation of Rohingya refugees. He argued that without national unity, such diplomatic outreach will continue to yield zero results for the country.

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The rally served as a platform to highlight long-standing economic disparities affecting the Rangpur division. Islam accused the government of institutionalizing regional discrimination by significantly curbing budget allocations for districts represented by opposition lawmakers. He asserted that while the government may hold political animosity toward opposition representatives, it has no moral or administrative authority to deprive the public of their rightful development funds.

The event featured a broad coalition of political leaders, including LDP President Colonel (Retd) Oli Ahmed, Bangladesh Khilafah Majlish Secretary General Maulana Jalal Uddin, and representatives from several other parties including the AB Party, National Democratic Party (JAGPA), and the Bangladesh Labour Party. Local leaders and several members of parliament from the Rangpur region also attended, reinforcing the coalition’s unified stance against current government policies.