Prime Minister Tarique Rahman declared on Monday that the implementation of the Teesta Barrage master plan is a "national priority" and vowed to see it through "at any cost" to ensure water security, bolster agriculture and uplift the livelihoods of the northern region's residents.

Speaking during the general discussion on the proposed national budget for the 2026–2027 fiscal year in the National Parliament, the Prime Minister emphasized his government’s commitment to resolving long-standing water management challenges through large-scale investments in rivers, canals, and irrigation infrastructure.

He acknowledged the persistent concerns regarding the Padma and Teesta rivers raised by lawmakers from the Rajshahi and Rangpur regions, stating, "We are working relentlessly to address these problems."

Outlining a strategic shift in water management, the Prime Minister announced plans to construct the Padma Barrage, designed to capture surplus monsoon water for use during the dry season.

"The Padma Barrage will enable us to store surplus monsoon water so that it can be supplied to farmers and other essential sectors throughout the dry season and at other times of the year," he explained.

Noting that Bangladesh has historically suffered from fragmented river management and declining navigability, he highlighted the ongoing nationwide canal excavation and re-excavation program.

The government aims to improve water flow and flood management by excavating 20,000 kilometres of canals over the next five years, with 900 kilometres already completed in just the last three months.

The Prime Minister also detailed extensive support measures for the agricultural sector, noting that his administration’s first major decision was to waive agricultural loans of up to BDT 10,000, benefitting approximately 1.3 million farmers.

Furthermore, he introduced the "Special Farmer Card," which will provide financial support and ten additional services to roughly 4.3 million farmers in the 2026–27 fiscal year.

"We promised to stand by our farmers, and we are delivering on that promise," he affirmed. Beyond agriculture, the Prime Minister addressed youth employment and the expatriate community, announcing the upcoming "Probashi Card" to streamline government services for Bangladeshi citizens living abroad.

Addressing the national energy crisis, the Prime Minister criticized the previous administration for years of "corruption, weak planning, and neglect" that led to insufficient domestic gas exploration and an over-reliance on foreign companies and energy imports.

Pointing to the recent instability in the Middle East as evidence of the dangers of import-dependency, he stated, "An uninterrupted energy supply is crucial not only for economic growth but also for national security."

His government, he noted, is now prioritizing the diversification of energy sources, promoting renewable energy, and enhancing domestic gas exploration to build a more resilient economy.

Touching on the education sector, the Prime Minister expressed his belief that an educated population grounded in moral values is the nation's greatest asset.

He claimed that the education system had been "deliberately weakened" under the previous regime and asserted that comprehensive reforms are now "essential to prepare future generations to meet the challenges of the times."

The parliamentary session, which resumed at 10:30 am under the chairmanship of Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikram, concluded the budget debate following speeches by Opposition Leader Shafikur Rahman and the Prime Minister.