The prime minister's International Affairs Adviser Gowher Rizvi yesterday said the government would do whatever is necessary to safeguard Bangladesh's national interest.

“We will do whatever we need to safeguard our national interest. There is no doubt about it,” he said when asked what impacts Bangladesh might face if India implements its National River Linking Project.

Rizvi was talking to journalists after the inauguration of Active Citizens Achiever's Summit 2012 organised by British Council at Fuller Road in the city.

Gowher reiterated his hope that the Teesta water sharing agreement will be signed soon. “We discussed about the Teesta issue and I have full expectation that it will

be done soon,” he said.

On the project and the Indian Supreme Court's order on it, the adviser denied commenting, sayingthathedidnotsee the verdict.

Gowher called upon citizens to carry out their duties instead of expecting the government to do it.

“It is a fundamental misunderstanding of our roles and responsibilities when we try to pass everything to the government."

Gowher inaugurated Social Action Project Fair showcasing 20 of the best initiatives led by youths.

AKM Manzurul Hauque, director general of Department of Youth Development, and Rosemary Arnott OBE, director of British Council Bangladesh, also spoke on the occasion.