Dhaka:State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir emphasized the need for resolving Bangladesh-India water-sharing issues through discussion, dialogue, and diplomacy, while also taking into account relevant principles of international law.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Kobir addressed journalists after attending a seminar titled 'Rethinking Water Futures Youth Leadership, Justice and Cooperation' at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) auditorium. He highlighted that discussions between Bangladesh and India were ongoing, stressing the importance of strengthening regional cooperation.
Kobir stated that achieving an amicable and positive outcome would depend on the sincerity and willingness to cooperate at all levels from both countries. Bangladesh has set up a committee to examine these issues, and the Indian side is reviewing matters through its own mechanisms.
He reiterated that progress is possible if the leadership of both countries shows the political will to advance through cooperation. Bangladesh and India share 54 trans-boundary rivers, making water management a critical aspect of their bilateral relations. The Joint Rivers Commission serves as the main bilateral platform for discussing shared-water issues.
The future of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, nearing the end of its current term since its 1996 signing, has gained renewed attention. Bangladesh seeks an arrangement that ensures its interests, particularly concerning adequate dry-season water flows.
The BIISS seminar aimed to explore water diplomacy in multilateral forums and identify ways for Bangladesh to enhance cooperation with like-minded nations. It also addressed inclusive governance, public-private partnerships in trans-boundary water management, and encouraged greater youth participation in water justice and decision-making.