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Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee on Sunday said the joint feasibility study for the long-awaited Teesta River Comprehensive Management Project will be completed as soon as possible after China agreed to support the initiative during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent state visit.
The minister said Bangladesh and China have reached an understanding to jointly conduct the feasibility study, marking a significant step towards implementing the Teesta River Master Plan, a project considered crucial for flood control, river management, irrigation and the livelihoods of millions of people living in the Teesta basin.
Speaking to reporters, Anee expressed optimism that the technical study would be completed quickly, allowing the government to move ahead with the next stages of the project.
“China has agreed to conduct a feasibility study for the Teesta project. We will work together to complete the study as early as possible,” he said.
He said the agreement reflects the growing cooperation between Bangladesh and China in water resources management and river development.
According to the minister, Bangladesh also sought China’s technical support in the broader management of the country’s river systems.
“We have requested China’s cooperation in river management. We will work together in areas where they have extensive experience and expertise,” he said.
Anee said the government intends to move the project forward without delay once the feasibility study is completed.
“With China’s support, we want to proceed as quickly as possible. Our goal is to take the Teesta Master Plan to the people at the earliest, and we are giving special attention so that work can begin under the current budget,” he added.
The minister said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman placed particular emphasis on the Teesta project during his official visit to China, raising the issue in meetings with both Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.
He said the matter was also discussed in detail during a meeting between the Prime Minister and Chinese Water Resources Minister Li Guoying at the Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing on June 25.
“The Chinese water resources minister joined the meeting with our Prime Minister along with ministers and advisers from both countries. Following detailed discussions, both sides agreed that technical assistance is essential for implementing the long-awaited Teesta project, and China agreed to jointly carry out the feasibility study,” Anee said.
He noted that millions of people living along the Teesta River have endured recurring floods, erosion, water shortages during the dry season and declining agricultural productivity for decades.
“The Teesta project is vital for improving the lives of people in the river basin. It will help address long-standing water management challenges while supporting agriculture, livelihoods and regional development,” he said.
During the meeting, Chinese Water Resources Minister Li Guoying also assured Bangladesh of his country’s continued cooperation in water resources management.
According to Anee, China has offered to share its expertise in river management and water conservation and invited Bangladeshi engineers, water experts and officials to receive specialised training in China.
The minister said Bangladesh hopes to benefit from China’s extensive experience in managing major river systems, controlling floods and implementing large-scale water infrastructure projects.
Highlighting bilateral ties, Anee said Bangladesh and China have maintained close and friendly relations since diplomatic ties were established in 1976 under the leadership of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.
He also recalled that former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia visited China seven times, helping strengthen political and economic relations between the two countries.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited China from June 22 to 26 after completing a two-day official visit to Malaysia.
During the visit, he attended the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian before travelling to Beijing for bilateral engagements.
In Beijing, the Prime Minister held separate meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, where both sides discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, water resources and other strategic sectors.
Officials said the agreement on the Teesta feasibility study represents an important milestone in Bangladesh’s efforts to implement one of its most significant river management projects, which is expected to enhance water security, improve irrigation, reduce flood risks and contribute to the sustainable development of the country’s northern region.
