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The historic ‘Farakka Long-March Day' will be observed on Thursday in the country, commemorating populist leader Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani’s long march towards the Farakka Dam 48 years ago.
Different socio-political organisations, including the Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani Parishad and the International Farakka Committee, have chalked out various programmes to mark the day with due respect.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir issued a message on the occasion, showing deep respect for Maulana Bhasani.
"I believe Farakka Day remains profoundly significant even today. The unilateral construction of dams one after another on 54 different rivers flowing from India to Bangladesh, without consideration for international laws, treaties, and conventions, has posed a serious threat to Bangladesh's existence. The consequences of this unilateral action are already evident with the emergence of desertification in parts of Bangladesh," he said.
Recalling the events of the long march towards India's Farakka barrage on May 16, 1976, under the leadership of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, Fakhrul said the Historic Farakka Day every year invigorates the people of Bangladesh to uphold their rights.
On May 16, 1976, Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani led a massive long march from Rajshahi towards India's Farakka barrage, demanding the demolition of the barrage constructed by the Indian government to divert the flow of Ganges water inside its territory.
Thousands of people participated in the long march and staged demonstrations protesting the construction of the barrage.
The Farakka Barrage over the Ganges in the Indian state of West Bengal is roughly 16.5 kilometers (10.3 miles) from the Chapainawabganj border, which has had a massive adverse impact on Bangladesh’s ecology since its implementation.
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