Dhaka: Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen today assured Dhaka that the Chinese hydropower project on the Yarlung Zangbo river would not affect water flow to downstream countries, including Bangladesh, as it is being implemented solely for electricity generation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Chinese envoy conveyed this assurance to Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain during a meeting at the foreign ministry. The ministry's press release emphasized that China will not withdraw or use any water from the project, ensuring no impact on downstream countries.
The assurance comes amid concerns from lower riparian countries about potential impacts on water flow due to China's construction of a large hydropower project near the Great Bend of the Yarlung Zangbo river. This river becomes the Brahmaputra upon entering India and flows into Bangladesh as the river Jamuna. China has maintained that the project is aimed at clean energy generation and regional carbon reduction, with no diversion of river water, as stated by the envoy.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on mutual interests, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation. The Chinese ambassador also briefed the adviser on follow-up actions from the recent visit of Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus to China. Discussions included expanding collaboration in trade, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, fisheries, green energy, disaster management, and tourism.
The envoy highlighted recent meetings between the Chinese Foreign Minister and Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser in Kuala Lumpur, where both sides explored avenues to bolster bilateral ties. The countries underscored the need to enhance cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, especially amidst the ongoing celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China this year.