Environment and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said India did not comply with the agreement regarding giving an early warning to Bangladesh before releasing water by opening the gates of the Dumboor Hydroelectric Plant in Tripura.
The adviser said that although India is supposed to provide advance notice before releasing water, this time, the protocol was not followed.
She said this while visiting various flood-affected areas in Habiganj on Friday.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan said: "If there is abnormal rainfall in the upstream country and there is a need to release water, it is necessary to inform the downstream country beforehand so that the people can prepare and be relocated. But this time, India did not comply with this. It is also mentioned in our agreement with India."
The advisor recalled international river law saying: “Even if there is no agreement with the neighbouring country, no one can harm anyone; one country will help another country.”
The environmental adviser said that after learning from this incident, a message has been sent to India regarding all the joint rivers to inform Bangladesh in advance in case there is a need to release water.
“Dr Yunus has informed the Indian Embassy about this. The Foreign Ministry is working to ensure that such situations do not occur again," she said.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan said natural disasters will occur, but man-made problems must not arise due to non-disclosure. The rivers should be kept like rivers to keep the country flood-free, and the embankments should be protected.
She said that the government is working collectively with full force to tackle the ongoing flash flood situation in various districts of the country.
With the help of everyone, swift and effective measures are being taken to rescue people from remote areas, she said.
Rizwana expressed sincere gratitude to the students and general public who are participating spontaneously alongside the government in providing services to the people arriving at the shelter centres.
The Water Resources Adviser mentioned that discussions will be held regarding the release of water from upstream in India without prior warning.
"Initiatives will be taken to properly manage the silt coming from upstream. Action will be taken against those engaged in illegal dredging. All embankments will be repaired on time to control flooding," she said.
She instructed government officials to involve students and local residents in all activities.
During her visit, she was briefed on the flood situation, the condition of affected people, and the progress of rehabilitation efforts.
Local administration, district officials, journalists, and people from all walks of life were present during the visit.
Prior to this, the adviser held discussions with the local administration, media, and civil society on the flood situation in Habiganj district at Habiganj Circuit House.
After visiting the river erosion-affected areas, the Water Resources Adviser delivered speech at a meeting held at the Chunaruaghat Upazila Parishad auditorium.
The meeting was attended by officials from the Department of Environment, the Forest Department, and the Water Development Board, as well as district and upazila-level officials, public representatives, and media personnel.
