DHAKA: Bangladesh’s interim government is eager to resume discussions with India on the Teesta water-sharing treaty, according to Syeda Rizwana Hasan, an adviser on water resources. Hasan emphasized the importance of adhering to international principles for water distribution between upper-riparian (India) and lower-riparian (Bangladesh) countries.
In a recent interview, Hasan expressed optimism about resolving the Teesta treaty and other water-sharing agreements through dialogue. However, she hinted that Bangladesh might consider international legal principles if bilateral negotiations fail.
The Teesta water-sharing agreement, which was nearly finalized during former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Dhaka in 2011, was stalled due to opposition from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Hasan reiterated the need to revisit the draft agreement and urged India to engage in renewed discussions. She highlighted the importance of maintaining minimal water flow to Bangladesh, even during scarcity, as per international norms.
Hasan also mentioned the Ganges treaty, set to expire in two years, stressing the need for timely negotiations to ensure water-sharing continuity. She pointed out that Bangladesh, crisscrossed by over 200 rivers, shares 54 transboundary rivers with India but has water agreements for only eight.
Addressing the broader context of Indo-Bangla relations, Hasan underscored the desire of the Bangladeshi people for a swift resolution of water-sharing treaties. She called for joint efforts on early warning mechanisms to mitigate flood impacts, noting that while water-sharing agreements can be complex, sharing flood information is a straightforward humanitarian necessity.
Regarding the potential involvement of international bodies, Hasan clarified that Bangladesh has not yet decided to escalate the issue to an international forum. The interim government prefers to pursue a bilateral resolution first, considering the political shifts within Bangladesh and the possibility of new arguments emerging.
In response to the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her subsequent stay in India, Hasan stated that the interim government has not yet made any decision regarding her extradition. She emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring justice for all atrocities committed against the Bangladeshi people.
Hasan concluded by advocating for renewed dialogue on river water management, particularly in light of climate change, which could exacerbate water-related challenges in the region.
Agencies