Time yet to come to raise Tipai issue at UN : Razzak

Staff Reporter


October 10, 2009

Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Water Resources Abdur Razzak yesterday said time has not yet come to raise the Taipaimukh Dam issue at the United Nations.

He made the observation while briefing reporters at the Media Centre in Sangsad Bhaban after a meeting of the Standing Committee.

"There is no need to go to the United Nations with the Tipaimukh issue," Abdur Razzak, said.

He said the Indian Prime Minister at a UN function in New York assured Bangladesh that they would not take any initiative that may be harmful to Bangladesh.

Besides, he said the Indian Foreign Minister and the Power Minister also gave assurances to the parliamentary team headed by him during its visit to New Delhi that India would not do anything which could affect Bangladesh.

Abdur Razzak said Indian side provided them information and data on the proposed dam and assured providing more information in future.

Asked to comment on the progress following the visit before three months, Razzak said they had to take time to submit reports of the team due to non-cooperation of the opposition. The report on the visit to Tipaimukh site was submitted before the House on October 7.

Razzak said the opposition lawmakers should join the session and speak on the issue if they have anything to say.

The report suggested formation of a special team which would work on the issue so that Indian government cannot do anything harmful for Bangladesh through the project in future.

Replying to a question, Abdur Razzak termed the Ganges Barrage project an appropriate step.

Emphasising the need for implementing the Ganges Barrage project he said Kushtia, Mathabhanga and Rajshahi irrigation projects would face serious impacts, if the barrage is not constructed.

He said the government is communicating with international agencies to mobilise funds for implementing the project.

The meeting was informed that connection between Rajbari and Sujanagar of Pabna has been selected as a possible site for the proposed Ganges Barrage project.

The project cost which was estimated at Tk 2,000 crore in 1996 would increase in present context.

Source: The New Nation: http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2009/10/10/news0260.htm