Bangladesh's water minister urges India to keep Teesta talks friendly

At a recent seminar in Dhaka, water resources minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee stressed that Bangladesh does not wish its relationship with India to deteriorate over the long-standing Teesta river dispute. He called on India to balance its own water needs with those of Bangladesh, describing the two as friendly neighbours. The government is pushing a Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, with technical support pledged by China, to alleviate recurring floods, riverbank erosion and dry-season water scarcity affecting five to six northern districts.

Anee said several expert seminars have been held since the February election, and a detailed study will guide the next steps. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is reportedly involved in regular discussions on the project, and officials are reviewing progress to reach a binding arrangement, whether termed a treaty or master plan.