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<\/p>\n\n\n\nPrime Minister Tarique Rahman today categorically said that the Teesta barrage master plan will be implemented at any cost to ensure the country\u2019s water security, support agriculture and improve the livelihoods of people in the northern region describing it as a national priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe government is committed to resolving the country's long-standing water management challenges through major investments in rivers, canals, and irrigation infrastructure,\u201d he said while taking part in the general discussion on the proposed budget for fiscal year of 2026\u201327 in the House.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tarique Rahman said water remains one of the biggest concerns for the people of the Rajshahi and Rangpur regions as MPs regularly raise various issues relating to the Padma and Teesta rivers. \u201cWe are working relentlessly to address these problems,\u201d he categorically said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Highlighting year-round water availability for agriculture as one of the government's key objectives, the prime minister said the government has already initiated plans to construct the Padma Barrage as excess water during the monsoon would be stored and utilized during the dry season for agriculture and other sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Padma Barrage will enable us to store surplus monsoon water so that it can be supplied to farmers and other essential sectors throughout the dry season and at other times of the year,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The prime minister noted that Bangladesh has long suffered from the lack of integrated river management, water conservation, flood control, and inter-river connectivity. As a result, many rivers have lost their navigability, while irrigation and water shortages have emerged in various parts of the country, he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI have visited areas where, despite being surrounded by water during the monsoon, farmers just a short distance away cannot irrigate their fields because of water scarcity. To address this problem, nationwide canal excavation and re-excavation programmes have already begun,\u201d he said.
The prime minister said the government plans to excavate and re-excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals over the next five years to improve water flow, irrigation systems, and flood management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWork is already underway under the canal excavation programme. In just the past three months, approximately 900 kilometres of canals have been excavated or re-excavated,\u201d he told the House.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Photo: PMO<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking about government support for farmers, the prime minister said one of the administration\u2019s earliest decisions after assuming office was to waive agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000, along with the accrued interest. Approximately 1.3 million farmers have benefited from the measure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He further said the government has introduced a Special Farmer Card to provide direct assistance to farmers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDuring the 2026\u201327 fiscal, around 4.3 million farmers will receive financial support and at least 10 additional services through this card. We promised to stand by our farmers, and we are delivering on that promise,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The prime minister also outlined various government initiatives aimed at creating employment opportunities for young people, enhancing skills, and expanding overseas employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe government is working to send more skilled workers abroad and expand services for Bangladeshi expatriates,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As part of these efforts, he announced plans to introduce a \u2018Probashi (Expatriate) Card\u2019 to make government services more accessible for Bangladeshis living abroad and reduce the difficulties they face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Emphasizing on energy security, the prime minister said, \u201cAn uninterrupted energy supply is crucial not only for economic growth but also for national security.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He alleged that the country's energy sector had suffered due to years of corruption, weak planning, and neglect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDomestic gas exploration was neglected, creating excessive dependence on foreign companies,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The prime minister added that the current government is focusing on diversifying energy sources, expanding domestic gas exploration, promoting renewable energy, and improving energy efficiency to reduce reliance on imports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Referring to the recent crisis in the Middle East, he said, \u201cThis situation has once again demonstrated how vulnerable an import-dependent energy system can be.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe government's broader objective is to build a strong and resilient economy that will support Bangladesh's long-term development goals,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On education, the prime minister said an educated population with strong moral values is the nation's greatest asset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHowever, the education system was deliberately weakened during the previous administration. Comprehensive reforms in the education sector are essential to prepare future generations to meet the challenges of the times,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Earlier, the parliamentary session resumed at 10:30am with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikram in the chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the concluding session of the budget debate, Opposition Leader Shafikur Rahman spoke first, followed by Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today categorically said that the Teesta barrage master plan will be implemented at any cost to ensure the country\u2019s water security, support agriculture and improve the livelihoods of people in the northern region describing it as a national priority. \u201cThe government is committed to resolving the country's long-standing water management challenges […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":35113,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,93],"tags":[47],"class_list":["post-35112","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bangladesh","category-nationwide","tag-47"],"yoast_head":"\n