Tipaimukh Dam, Asian Highway will bring disaster for BD

Speakers observe at a roundtable

Country's independent, sovereignty, overall trade volume, ecology and agriculture will seriously be affected if Tipaimukh Dam on Barak River and Asian Highway are constructed.
The observation was made by speakers at a roundtable discussion on 'Tipaimukh Dam and Asian Highway' organised by National peoples' Forum at the National Press Club on Thursday.
The speakers said now country's independent and sovereignty are under the threat of aggression. The government is seriously reconsidering its position in respect of signing the Asian Highway network for long-term interest but it will bring disaster as in fact an Indian Highway is going to be constructed in the name of Asian Highway. India will never ever help Bangladesh to achieve its high rate of economic growth because of their economic size and strength. With a view to sucking Bangladesh, India is going to construct Tipaimukh Dam and Asian Highway.
Economist Mahbub Ullah said if the Tipaimukh Dam is constructed, country's ecology, agriculture and environment will severely be affected. It must be resisted through united efforts. Nevertheless, without developing the range and pattern of economic growth with India, the government is going to link up with the so called highway for boosting economy. If it is constructed, country's overall trade volume will be decreased and all sorts of trade will also be regulated by the hints of India unilaterally.
Tareque Shamsur Rahman former University Grants Commission member said proposed Tipaimukh Dam and Asian Highway issues are related with country's national security. The dam is going to be constructed in order to deprive the country of water and for destroying country's overall trade and economic growth, the highway will also be constructed ignoring world opinion. So awareness and national consensus should be raised against Indian aggression throughout the country.
Mahmudur Rahman former power and energy adviser said without conducting environment impact analysis and holding talk with Bangladesh, India started the construction work of the dam violating international river commission law.
About Asian Highway, he said for boosting economic prosperity, the country should be linked up with Asian Highway if it is extended from Bosporus to pacific instead of Indian boundary. "We will be a nation of refugee due to the impact of Tipaimukh Dam and Asian highway if it is constructed intentionally," he said.

source Bangladesh today