Bangladesh To Assert Water Rights In Negotiations With India

Bangladesh’s interim government, led by advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan, has announced plans to engage in negotiations with India regarding water rights and the sharing of common rivers. This declaration was made during a seminar titled “Bangladesh’s Fair Share of Water in Shared Rivers,” held at Pani Bhaban in Dhaka in observance of World Rivers Day.

Hasan emphasized the importance of incorporating public opinion into the negotiations and promised to share the outcomes with the public. She acknowledged the complexity of international river water-sharing issues but stressed that sharing critical information, such as rainfall data, should be treated as a humanitarian necessity and not politicized. “Bangladesh’s claims will be made clearly and strongly,” she stated.

The advisor pointed out that unilateral action in international courts on such matters is not viable, stressing the need for cooperation between the two nations. Following the formation of the interim government, Hasan had indicated that discussions with New Delhi regarding shared rivers, including the Teesta, were a priority.

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She remarked, “Just as West Bengal’s Mamata Banerjee considers her own people’s interests, we will also prioritize the needs of our people when making decisions about the Teesta project.” Hasan also noted that the interim government might consider international avenues if necessary, while maintaining friendly relations with India.

In recent weeks, India has responded to misinformation circulating in Bangladesh regarding the Farakka barrage gates. Indian officials condemned these rumors as fear-mongering attempts to create misunderstandings between the two countries. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that the opening of the Farakka gates is a standard seasonal procedure to facilitate the natural flow of the Ganga/Padma river.

The relationship between India and Bangladesh is underscored by a shared commitment to water resource management, as highlighted in the ‘India-Bangladesh Shared Vision for Future’ document released during former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to New Delhi in June. This document acknowledged the significance of water-sharing agreements and outlined plans for joint efforts on river conservation and management.

Both countries share 54 rivers, with seven prioritized for developing water-sharing frameworks. The Joint Rivers Commission (JRC), established in 1972, serves as a bilateral mechanism for addressing mutual interests regarding transboundary rivers.

In recent statements, Hasan has also addressed interim water-sharing agreements for the Kushiyara and Feni rivers and indicated ongoing discussions to renew the Ganga Water Treaty.