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Thousands of people living along the Teesta River have voiced their deep frustration, protesting the recent national budget's failure to allocate specific funds or timelines for the crucial Teesta master plan. The demonstration, organized by the Teesta Bachao, Nodi Bachao Sangram Parishad, drew participants from across the Teesta basin, highlighting widespread discontent.

Speakers at a rally in Gangachara upazila of Rangpur condemned the lack of progress on addressing the river's persistent problems: recurring floods, severe erosion, and water shortages during the dry season. They accused successive governments of offering only "political assurances" rather than implementing tangible solutions. Residents described a devastating cycle where monsoon floods and erosion destroy homes, farmland, and infrastructure, only to be followed by water scarcity that cripples agriculture.

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We are tired of promises. Every government has given assurances, but nothing changes on the ground.

"We are tired of promises," stated Boktar Ali, a 65-year-old farmer who has lost land to erosion. "Every government has given assurances, but nothing changes on the ground." Another resident, Golzar Rahman, added, "We keep hearing that work will start soon, but it never happens. No budget allocation has been made. We are left to suffer."

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We keep hearing that work will start soon, but it never happens. No budget allocation has been made. We are left to suffer.

The absence of a clear budgetary commitment in the current fiscal year has intensified public anger, especially since the master plan has been under discussion for years. Leaders of the Sangram Parishad emphasized the need for domestic financing and immediate implementation, rejecting any excuses based on external geopolitical factors. They pointed out that critical issues like riverbank protection, flood control, irrigation, navigability, and environmental restoration remain unaddressed despite repeated government pledges.

Professor Nazrul Islam Hakkani, president of the organization, urged the government to announce a clear allocation and an implementation roadmap, stating, "There is no scope for further delay in implementing the Teesta master plan." He also recalled earlier assurances from the head of government during previous protests, which promised progress on the plan.

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There is no scope for further delay in implementing the Teesta master plan.