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Khaleda Zia to secure agreements.

“This treaty must be for an indefinite period and remain effective until any future agreement replaces it,” Fakhrul said, stressing that unity is essential.

“Maulana Bhashani united people over the Farakka issue, which later made it possible for Ziaur Rahman to implement an agreement.”

He warned that the current Ganges Treaty, set to expire in December 2026, must be renewed to avoid serious concerns.

“I thank our Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who has taken a quick decision to move forward with the Padma Barrage project. This is a historic decision that will help protect vast areas of the country,” he said.

Fakhrul urged immediate discussions with India, asserting, “Bangladesh will never allow any agreement that undermines the country’s interests. We believe Tarique Rahman’s government will always prioritise Bangladesh’s interests above everything else.”

At another programme organised by the Bhashani Janashakti Party at the Central Shaheed Minar, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon said the government would renew the treaty ahead of expiry, prioritising national interest.

He said strong diplomatic efforts would continue, in coordination with all stakeholders, to secure Bangladesh’s rightful share of transboundary river waters under international frameworks, reports BSS.

Recalling Bhashani’s foresight, Swapon noted that although no effective international water-sharing mechanism existed in the 1970s, the veteran leader anticipated the crisis.

He said the current government stands closest to Bhashani’s ideology and upholds the Sheaf of Paddy symbol, representing independence, sovereignty, and a diplomatic path to resolving the dispute.

Swapon called on democratic forces to unite, stressing that water-sharing depends not only on treaties but also on strong bilateral ties. He expressed hope that the government, backed by its popular mandate, would resolve the long-standing issue.