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The United States has formally expressed its interest in joining the highly discussed Teesta River Project, officially conveying its intent to the Bangladesh government. On September 9, an American delegation of experts visited Bangladesh and inspected the Teesta Barrage area, according to sources from the Ministry of Water Resources and diplomatic channels.
This sudden American interest carries significant diplomatic weight, particularly as Bangladesh and China were already in the process of forming a joint expert committee to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for the long-delayed project.
Diplomatic and international affairs analysts view Washington’s move as a strategic geopolitical maneuver. The Teesta initiative is rapidly becoming a focal point for superpower influence between China and the United States, presenting a complex delicate balance for Dhaka.
This situation echoes events from 2024, when Chinese funding for the project was nearly finalized. At that crucial juncture, India unexpectedly submitted its own investment proposal for the Teesta Project, which ultimately stalled progress on the implementation.
When contacted for official comment regarding their interest in the project, the US Embassy in Dhaka did not provide a statement. However, diplomatic sources familiar with the site visit emphasized that sending a high-level technical team signals a major commitment from Washington.
The American delegation was led by Dr. Calvin Creech, a senior water resources engineer with the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dr. Creech is an internationally recognized expert in river engineering and serves as the Vice President of the World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure (PIANC). His direct involvement underscores the strategic priority Washington is placing on the region’s water infrastructure.
