US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen today visited the Teesta Barrage Project (TBP), the country's largest irrigation project, in Dalia of Dimla upazila, Rangpur. The ambassador and his delegation arrived at the Teesta Oboshor Rest House around 11:30am, where they met with officials from the local administration and the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB).
Following the initial meeting, Christensen joined a discussion with senior BWDB officials, local administration representatives, and political leaders. The meeting focused on the operation of the barrage, irrigation water distribution, and flood control and management in the northern region. Key participants included BWDB Director General Md Ruhul Amin, Chief Engineer (Northern Rangpur) Dr Sarfaraz Band, Superintending Engineers Md Ahsan Habib and Md Mizanur Rahman, TBP Executive Engineer Amitabh Chandra, Dimla Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Imranuzzaman, and Hatibandha Upazila Nirbahi Officer Dipjan Mitra.
Also present were former Nilphamari-1 MP Engineer Shahrin Islam Chowdhury Tuhin, Nilphamari District Jubo Dal General Secretary Shahadat Hossain Chowdhury, and other local political leaders and dignitaries. After the meeting, Christensen visited the TBP control room, where he observed the current water level of the Teesta River, the supply of water to irrigation canals, and the overall operation of the barrage. He also inspected the main bridge of the project on foot.
The ambassador was accompanied by his wife Diane Dow and US Embassy officials Nicole Clarissa Besnard, Syed Faizus Salehin, and Political Specialist Firoze Ahmed. After lunch at the Teesta Oboshor Rest House, the ambassador and his delegation departed for Banglabandha Zero Point in Panchagarh in the afternoon.
The Teesta Barrage Project, completed in 1997, is a crucial infrastructure for irrigation in northern Bangladesh. It plays a significant role in ensuring water supply for agriculture, which is vital for the region's economy and food security. The project's effective management is essential for mitigating flood risks and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
