Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser for the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, criticized India on Friday for not notifying Bangladesh before opening the gates of the Dumboor Hydroelectric Plant in Tripura.

Rizwana expressed her concern, stating that although India is required to provide advance notice before releasing water, this protocol was not followed on this occasion. She made these remarks during her visit to flood-affected areas along the Khowai River in Habiganj.

"The government will ensure that Bangladesh, as the downstream country, is notified before India releases water from shared rivers," she emphasized. Rizwana also noted that the issue had been raised in a recent meeting between the Chief Adviser and the Indian High Commissioner.

She further added that Bangladesh plans to address the matter through diplomatic channels via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prevent future man-made disasters.

When asked about the government's plans to address the loss of navigability in international rivers due to a lack of dredging, Rizwana explained that Bangladesh's approach, as a downstream country, differs from that of upstream countries. She mentioned that the decision on whether to dredge rivers or manage silt through alternative methods requires careful consideration.

"We do have plans regarding this, but it wasn't given due emphasis in the past," Rizwana acknowledged.

She underscored the importance of protecting the Khowai River to safeguard Habiganj town, announcing that a small-scale project would be initiated for this purpose. She also assured that additional funds would be allocated if necessary.

Rizwana stressed the urgency of freeing the old Khowai River from encroachment, describing it as "crucial." She announced that the government would launch a continuous and well-planned campaign against illegal encroachers along river paths.

"Although flooding in Feni has begun to subside, the narrowing of the river path due to illegal constructions is obstructing water drainage," she noted.

Earlier in the day, Rizwana met with district administration officials and the Water Development Board at the Habiganj Circuit House to discuss the flood situation. Local dignitaries and coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement also attended the meeting.