Rizwana: India not comply with agreement regarding early warning before releasing water

Environment and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said India did not comply with the agreement regarding early warning Bangladesh before releasing water.

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.