Gano Adhikar Parishad Issues 24-Hour Ultimatum to Indian Government

The Gano Adhikar Parishad has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Indian government, accusing it of political vindictiveness by opening dams along the India-Bangladesh border, which has resulted in severe flooding in Bangladesh. The floods have submerged over 20 million people across approximately ten districts in the eastern region of Bangladesh, including Feni, Noakhali, Comilla, Khagrachari, Lakshmipur, and Brahmanbaria. The leaders of the Gano Adhikar Parishad described the situation as a catastrophic disaster.

On Thursday, the Gano Adhikar Parishad, along with students and the general public, organized a ‘March to the Indian High Commission’ protest.

The protest, led by the convener of Gano Adhikar Parishad, Colonel (Retd.) Mia Moshiuzzaman, and Member Secretary Farooq Hasan, began in Badda and marched towards the Indian High Commission. Also present were Joint Member Secretaries Tarek Rahman, Sheikh Khairul Kabir, Sakib Hossain, Shafiqul Islam Ratan, and over a thousand leaders and activists.

A seven-member delegation met with the Indian High Commission and handed over a six-point message to Deb Brata Chakraborty, Attaché Councillor of the High Commission.

Gano Adhikar Parishad’s Six-Point Demand on Behalf of the People of Bangladesh:

1. Close All Open Dams Within 24 Hours: India must close all dams that are currently open towards Bangladesh and ensure equitable water distribution between the two countries according to international guidelines.
2. Explanation of Legal Authority: India must provide a clear explanation of the legal authority under which it has constructed dams on 54 international rivers shared between Bangladesh and India.
3. Warning Regarding Border Killings: India is warned to take responsibility for any future unintended consequences of border killings along the Bangladesh-India border.
4. Return of Sheikh Hasina: The people of Bangladesh believe that by sheltering Sheikh Hasina, India is endorsing the genocide carried out in Bangladesh. She must be sent back to Bangladesh promptly.
5. International Sanctions: If India continues to ignore the demands of the Bangladeshi people and keeps the dams open, the people of Bangladesh will appeal to the United Nations and the Commonwealth to suspend India’s membership for its inhumane and extrajudicial actions.
6. Severance of Diplomatic Relations: If these demands are not addressed within the specified time, the people of Bangladesh will compel their government to sever diplomatic relations with India.

Members of the Delegation:

1. Farooq Hasan (Member Secretary, Gano Adhikar Parishad)
2. Advocate Shirin Akhtar (Member, Higher Council, Gano Adhikar Parishad)
3. Molla Rahmatullah (Student Representative)
4. Muntasir Mahmud (Student Representative)
5. Farhan Dinar (Student Representative)
6. Mohammad Ayaz (Student Representative)
7. Farhad Hossain (Student Representative)