Bangladesh’s disaster minister announced an integrated Teesta Mega-Project to tackle chronic flooding, erosion and water inequality, aiming to protect livelihoods, agriculture and infrastructure across Rangpur’s vulnerable river communities.
Bangladesh Disaster Minister Asadul Habib Dulu has pledged an integrated plan to manage the Teesta River, addressing decades of flooding, erosion and water distribution challenges that affect more than two million people along its banks.
Speaking on Monday after a meeting with senior officials including divisional commissioners, district administrators and police chiefs from Rangpur’s eight districts, Dulu emphasized that the Teesta Mega-Project is not an isolated initiative. Instead, it will combine river governance, dredging and infrastructural development to deliver sustainable and long-term solutions.
“Communities along the Teesta have long suffered from erosion, floods and unequal access to water,” Dulu said. “The government recognizes these challenges. That is why the project will be implemented in a coordinated manner to benefit agriculture, livelihoods, the environment and the economy simultaneously.”
Rangpur in northern Bangladesh near the Indian border relies heavily on the Teesta for irrigation, fishing and daily life. Local residents have endured repeated crop losses, displacement and infrastructure damage during seasonal floods. Officials say the new initiative aims to strengthen flood control, improve water management, support local livelihoods and promote environmental sustainability.
The Teesta Mega-Project represents a significant step toward resolving long-standing river challenges in northern Bangladesh, blending infrastructure development with environmental and social considerations to safeguard the well-being of millions of residents.
