Rangpur: Adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Environment, Forests and Climate Change and Water Resources Syeda Rizwana Hasan has stated that China is eager to commence work on the Teesta Master Plan (TMP) at the earliest opportunity.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, both the Bangladeshi and Chinese governments are committed to implementing the project; however, the verification process is not yet complete, preventing immediate commencement.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan made these remarks while addressing local reporters during a visit to the erosion-prone area of the Teesta River alongside Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen in the Tepamadhupur Taluk Shahbazpur area of Kawnia upazila, Rangpur. She emphasized that political parties in Bangladesh are also including the Teesta Master Plan in their manifestos for the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections, demonstrating widespread political support.
She clarified that there is no urgency to start the project by January 26, as the intention is to ensure the work is executed properly. Public hearings and expert opinions at the national level have been incorporated into the project proposal, which has been sent to China for further scrutiny. Chinese experts are currently evaluating the project to ensure it can be completed without any errors, given the high expectations from the Bangladeshi public.
The TMP is complex, involving flood control, river erosion prevention, and irrigation activities, necessitating a detailed analysis of various factors. Consequently, China is taking time to assess the project’s feasibility. Rizwana Hasan highlighted the friendly relations between Bangladesh and China, noting that China has also offered to build a large hospital in Bangladesh.
She reiterated that political parties have pledged their support for implementing the TMP, and there should be no spread of disappointment. Achieving a fair share of Teesta River water remains an ongoing issue, and preparations have been made to address this, regardless of the elected government’s timeline.
During the visit, Rizwana Hasan, along with the Chinese ambassador and high-ranking officials, inspected the Teesta Road Bridge and Railway Bridge in Kawnia upazila. They also toured the Teesta River by boat, with Executive Engineer Md Rabiul Islam of the Rangpur Water Development Board highlighting the river’s nature and the crises faced by the surrounding districts.