Joint Teesta feasibility study to be expedited

Bangladesh and China have agreed to expedite a joint feasibility study for the long-awaited Teesta River Comprehensive Management Project, following Beijing’s commitment to support the initiative during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent state visit to China.

Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee announced the development while briefing journalists, describing the agreement as a significant step towards implementing one of Bangladesh’s most important river management projects.

“China has agreed to conduct a feasibility study for the Teesta project. We will work together to complete the study,” the minister said, expressing optimism that the technical assessment would be completed as quickly as possible.

He said Bangladesh had also sought China’s cooperation in the broader management of the country’s river systems, citing China’s extensive experience in water resources management.

“We have sought their cooperation in the management of our rivers. We will
also work together in areas where China has relevant expertise,” Anee said.

The minister said the government would take the necessary decisions on implementing the Teesta River Comprehensive Management Project once the technical study had been completed.

“With China’s support, we will move forward as quickly as possible. We want to bring the Teesta Master Plan to the people at the earliest opportunity. We are giving special attention so that work can begin under the current budget,” he said.

According to Anee, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman raised the Teesta issue during his meetings with China’s top leadership, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, underscoring the project’s importance for Bangladesh.

The issue also featured prominently during the Prime Minister’s meeting with Chinese Water Resources Minister Li Guoying at the Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing on 25 June.

“The Chinese water resources minister attended the meeting with our Prime Minister, along with ministers and advisers from both sides.

Following detailed discussions, it was agreed that technical assistance would be required to implement the long-awaited Teesta project. China has agreed to jointly carry out the feasibility study,” the minister said.

Describing the project as a national priority, Anee said millions of people living along the Teesta basin had endured years of hardship due to river erosion, flooding and inadequate water management.

“The project is essential to address their long-standing problems,” he added.

The minister also said Li Guoying assured Bangladesh of China’s full cooperation in water resources management and offered support for capacity-building by providing training for Bangladeshi water resources professionals and officials in China.

Highlighting the broader bilateral relationship, Anee said Bangladesh and China had maintained close ties since diplomatic relations were established in 1976 under Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

He also noted that former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia visited China on seven occasions, contributing to the strengthening of bilateral relations.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman travelled to China on 22 June after concluding a two-day official visit to Malaysia and returned to Bangladesh on 26 June.

During the visit, he attended the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian before travelling to Beijing for bilateral meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.

The Bangladesh delegation included Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, and the Prime Minister’s advisers Humaiun Kobir, AKM Shamsul Islam, Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir and Mahdi Amin.