Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser for the ministries of environment and water resources, has said work on the implementation of the Teesta mega project will commence by December.
The adviser made the announcement during a public hearing on Sunday afternoon near the Teesta Bridge in Kaunia upazila, Rangpur.
A tender will be invited next week for erosion prevention in the most vulnerable areas of the 46-kilometre stretch of the Teesta River, particularly in the 20-kilometre section that suffers the most erosion, so that work can begin in March, she added.
Rizwana said local residents' opinions will be considered in implementing the Teesta project.
She mentioned discussions with China, saying the project will be executed in coordination with the Bangladesh Water Development Board and the people living along the Teesta River.
Regarding the equitable share of Teesta River water, she emphasized that India, as a neighbouring country, has a responsibility.
She pointed out that during the monsoon season, flash floods occur due to water surges from upstream in India.
She requested India to notify Bangladesh at least 5–7 hours in advance before releasing water from upstream so that the people along the Teesta can prepare in advance by relocating their homes, belongings, and livestock.
"We can certainly demand this from India; otherwise, what kind of neighbours are we?" she added.
She said she has directed the BWDB to take immediate measures to prevent erosion in the 20-kilometre most vulnerable section of the 46-kilometre erosion-prone area before the next monsoon, adding that the board has been instructed to invite a tender next week and prepare the necessary designs.
Rizwana added that representatives from the student community and residents will be involved in monitoring the project to ensure its smooth execution.
"We will not always be in power, but even when we are no longer advisers, we will stand by the people in implementing the Teesta mega project."
Meanwhile, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, adviser for youth and sports as well as local government, affirmed that the Teesta project will be implemented.
He also emphasized the need to establish new educational institutions in char areas, as the literacy rate in these regions is significantly low.
Additionally, he said efforts will be made to improve the living standards of the people residing along the Teesta River.
The public hearing also featured speeches from Jatiya Nagorik Committee Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Deputy Commissioner Rabiul Faisal, and other high-ranking officials.
Earlier, during the public hearing, locals urged the two advisers of the interim government to implement the project with domestic funding instead of relying on foreign assistance.
They also demanded that Bangladesh secure its fair share of Teesta River water from India.
Thousands of men and women from various Teesta-adjacent areas of Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Gaibandha, and Nilphamari gathered for the public hearing.
By 3pm, the entire venue was packed as people waited for the arrival of the two advisers.
Later, Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Asif Mahmud attended the hearing, where they listened to the hardships and grievances of the Teesta River residents.
