Dhaka, Aug. 17 -- Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu on Monday said the Teesta river, which was once like a mother to the people of northern Bangladesh, has now become a source of despair, leaving Rangpur almost like a barren land.

"Rangpur has now turned into a barren land. Rangpur is the granary of Bangladesh. Teesta was once like a mother. There were paddy-filled granaries, fish-filled ponds and cattle-filled cowsheds, and Bhawaiya songs were heard from the people," he said.

Action to be taken over canal excavation irregularities: Relief Minister Dulu

"But when we see the despair of the people living along the Teesta, we, as elected representatives and politicians, want to address the issue. We want to free th...