Rangpur, Aug. 27 -- The Teesta Barrage, the largest irrigation project in Bangladesh, has allegedly become a center of mismanagement, corruption, extortion, and land grabbing, putting the lives and livelihood in the northern region under risk.

Located at the Lalmonirhat-Nilphamari junction, the barrage was constructed in 1988 with 52 gates to protect five northern districts-Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Gaibandha, and Nilphamari-from Indian water aggression and to ensure irrigation.

Officials tasked with protecting state resource are allegedly involved in these illegal activities under political protection.

Experts said unless action is taken immediately, the barrage may fail to fulfill its core purpose-ensuring irrigation and saving...