Farakka Treaty: Manna Questions Yunus’s Capability

Staff Reporter

Mahmudur Rahman Manna, President of Nagarik Oikya, has raised questions about Chief Advisor Dr. Yunus’s ability to negotiate a new treaty with India as the Farakka Treaty between Bangladesh and India is set to expire next February.

Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion meeting organized by the Bhashani Jono Shakti Party and Bhashani Anushari Parishad at the National Press Club on Friday, May 16, marking the 49th Farakka Long March Day, Manna posed the question: “Will Chief Advisor Dr. Yunus be able to sign a new treaty with India?”

Manna said, “Although the Farakka Treaty stipulates that India should release 44,000 cusecs of water, they have gradually reduced it over time. In summer, the Rajshahi region is scorched by hot winds, and people are suffering. Yet, there is no discussion or writing on this issue now.”

He alleged, “No matter how fiery your speeches are, if India refuses to sign a new treaty tomorrow, can you force them? How?”

Manna emphasized, “Politicians need to rethink their approach to the Teesta issue. We don’t want to follow India’s lead. Even after the so-called ‘mass uprising’ in July, India isn’t letting us live in peace. We don’t have nuclear power or missiles to intimidate India. So, we must strategize carefully to secure our fair share of the Teesta’s waters.”

Manna pointed out that while there is a UN law on transboundary water sharing, Bangladesh, India, and China have not signed it, limiting legal avenues for international pressure.

He also accused Dr. Yunus of increasing foreign control over various sectors in Bangladesh. “He wants to hand over ports to foreigners. He is allowing foreign internet connectivity through Starlink, which will increase data security risks. Not all foreigners are good—that’s a fact. But where is the guarantee that all foreigners will be good? Decisions should be made collectively, not unilaterally,” Manna said.

Manna also questioned Dr. Yunus’s recent remarks about Rohingya refugees, stating, “He said Rohingyas could return home to celebrate Eid. But out of 1.2–1.3 million Rohingyas, can even 100,000 return? Maybe he knows magic, but reality is different.”

“Strength and Peace Necessary to Secure Rights”: Shamsuzzaman Dudu

BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu, speaking as a special guest, said, “To secure our rights from India, we must follow both strength and peace. Mere protests or diplomacy won’t work.”

In his presidential speech, Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablu, Chairman of Bhashani Jono Shakti Party and a freedom fighter, said, “National unity is essential to secure fair shares of the Farakka, Teesta, and other shared rivers.”

Other speakers at the event included Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers’ Party, BNP Chairperson’s Advisor Nazmul Haque Nannu, and Hasnat Qayyum, Coordinator of the Rashtra Sangskar Andolon.