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Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee on Monday said Bangladesh does not want its friendly relations with India to deteriorate over the long-pending Teesta water-sharing agreement, stressing that New Delhi should consider Dhaka’s interests while pursuing its own.
“India is a friendly neighbouring country. While they have their interests, we also have ours. A friend should protect the interests of a friend,” Anee said.
He made the remarks while addressing a seminar titled “Sustainable Management of the Teesta River”, jointly organised by the Ministry of Water Resources and the Department of Water Resources Engineering at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).
Anee said the Teesta project is a major national initiative and that the government has held several seminars and consultations with experts since the election to gather views on its implementation.
“The opinions of almost all experts were important to us. Based on these views, a detailed study—which is essential—will help us take visible steps,” he said.
The minister said Bangladesh has significant geographical potential but faces numerous challenges that the government is working to turn into tangible opportunities.
He described the Teesta project as a major challenge because of the high expectations of people in five to six northern districts who have suffered from river erosion and other problems for years.
“There is huge demand and very high expectations, particularly among people in the northern region. If we fail to implement the project, the problems faced by families there will continue to worsen. We have to overcome this challenge,” he said.
Anee said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman regularly discusses the project and that departmental and inter-ministerial meetings are being held to review its progress.
“He frequently wants to know what stage it is at and how it is progressing. He is paying special attention to making the project visible,” the minister said.
He stressed the need for a coordinated approach to determine whether the project is feasible and how it can be implemented.
“Our ultimate objective is to fulfil our commitment to the people of northern Bangladesh,” Anee said.
Referring to water expert Professor Ainun Nishat’s long involvement in discussions on the Teesta, the minister said Nishat had emphasised the urgent need for a water-sharing agreement.
“Whether it is called the Teesta treaty or the Teesta master plan, or whatever is necessary to implement this project, we will move towards implementation,” Anee said.