BD can’t wait on India to resolve Teesta issue

There are many unresolved issues between the two neighboring countries– Bangladesh and India. Discussions have been going on for decades to resolve them.

One of the most awaited issues is the Teesta River dispute, with Bangladesh describing it as a “matter of life and death” and a significant ecological and economic challenge for communities living along the river in country’s North-West region.

Bangladesh has formally indicated it cannot wait indefinitely for a deal with India, turning instead to China for support in implementing the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP). China also prepared a $1 billion project, but it did not move forward due to India’s objections.

Mentionable that in 2011, during the visit of the then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Dhaka, an agreement on Teesta issue was supposed to be signed, but at the last moment, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee backed down.

The agreement was not signed due to the objections of the state chief minister. It has been pending for 15 years since then Ahead of the visit to China, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on Tuesday told reporters that Bangladesh is definitely interested in discussing the project with China during this visit. “We cannot wait long on such an important issue.

This is a commitment of our honourable prime minister and of our government – to solve the problem of that region. We will fulfill that commitment.”

Responding to a question indicating a change in the West Bengal state government, the Foreign Minister said, “Look, the government has not been formed in West Bengal yet and if they do not tell us what they are thinking and what they will do, it is not my job to ‘read their minds.’ But we can’t just sit around; we have to do our job. We are already involved in extensive mutual cooperation projects and activities with China in various fields. We will discuss whether this relationship can be taken above ‘strategic partnership’. They are also interested.”

We consider that Teesta has a huge impact on the geography of Bangladesh. Due to the Ghajoldoba dam upstream, there is almost no water flow in Teesta during the dry season.

As a result, not only is agriculture disrupted, but the livelihoods of the people of Teesta and Jamuna basins, including biodiversity, are also being greatly affected. We want the Teesta problem to be resolved quickly.