Today, at the Secretariat, in the Minister's office room at the Ministry of Water Resources, the Water Resources Minister said these remarks during a meeting with leaders of the Bangladesh Environmental Movement (BAPA). Deputy Minister Farhad Hossain Azad MP was also present at that time. 
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‎The Minister further said that within a short time of assuming office, the current government has approved the Padma Barrage project to protect the livelihoods and nature of the people in the southwestern region. The fate of the people in the northern region is tied to the Teesta. To ensure that the people get maximum benefits from the Teesta, tests and studies are ongoing with domestic and foreign experts. 
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‎Deputy Minister Azad said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has emphasized on protecting the environment, nature, and biodiversity before taking any kind of development project. He informed that before taking any development project, multiple inter-ministerial meetings are held to prioritize environmental and biodiversity protection. 
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‎Leaders of the Bangladesh Environmental Movement (BAPA) requested the Ministry of Water Resources to take more effective steps to protect rivers, canals, wetlands, and water bodies from encroachment and pollution. The two ministers urged the BAPA leaders to stay by the government's side in protecting rivers, canals, wetlands, and water bodies by providing accurate information and necessary advice. 
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‎At that time, the Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Dr. A. K. M. Shahabuddin, was present. Among the BAPA leaders, President Nur Mohammad Talukdar, Vice President Khushi Kabir, Dr. Shahidul Islam, and General Secretary Alamgir Kabir, among others, were present.