The ongoing movement to implement the Teesta Master Plan has gained new momentum as the Teesta River Protection Movement Committee announced a “Silent Rangpur” campaign across five districts of the Rangpur division on October 30.

The campaign, set to begin at 11:00 am on Thursday, will see people from all walks of life—teachers, students, farmers, traders, transport workers, and government officials—stand silently for 15 minutes wherever they are, expressing solidarity with the call to restore the Teesta River.

During this symbolic protest, all vehicles including motorcycles, bicycles, trucks, buses, and trains will halt for 15 minutes, while teachers will pause classes and students will suspend activities.

Former state minister and BNP leader Principal Asadul Habib Dulu, the chief coordinator of the Teesta River Protection Movement, announced the program, urging citizens across the northern region to participate. He warned that if the government fails to start implementing the Teesta Master Plan with its own funding before the election schedule is declared in November, a larger movement would be launched to “bring the entire northern region to a standstill.”

“The people of the north are now united to save the Teesta,” Dulu said. “The Teesta is not just a river—it is our livelihood and cultural symbol. Around 20 million people depend on its flow and revival.”

He added that the “Silent Rangpur” campaign reflects the rightful demand of the Teesta’s people. “This 15-minute silence will echo their collective protest, sending a clear message—‘Save Teesta, save North Bengal, save Bangladesh.’”

The movement has been gaining strength over the past months. On February 17 and 18, hundreds of thousands joined sit-ins along 11 points of the Teesta River. Memorandums were later submitted to the Chief Adviser through district administrations on October 5, followed by rallies in all upazila towns on October 9.

On October 16, thousands of residents along both banks of the river lit torches across a 130-kilometer stretch, chanting slogans such as “Rise up, save Teesta,” “Ensure Teesta’s fair share,” and “Implement the Teesta Master Plan now.”

Local residents believe that dredging the river and implementing the master plan would revitalize the northern economy and environment, ensuring prosperity and security for millions who depend on the Teesta’s waters.

UNB/