Dhaka:Bangladesh's Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee announced the country's desire for a new Ganges water-sharing agreement with India, emphasizing the inclusion of a guarantee clause to ensure Bangladesh receives its necessary water share. The current treaty, set to expire this year, does not have such a clause.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister expressed these intentions during an event focused on river pollution control and management in Dhaka, organized by the Team Europe Union. He highlighted that while an agreement signed in 1977 included a guarantee clause, the subsequent 1996 treaty, effective for 30 years, did not.
The existing agreement, ending on December 12, has prompted the Joint Rivers Commission to initiate discussions. Anee remains optimistic about reaching a new agreement through continued friendship, with a strong proposal to reinstate the guarantee clause.
Anee stressed the importance of receiving water during both dry and monsoon seasons to prevent agricultural and economic disruptions. He warned that insufficient water during dry periods could harm agriculture and fish production, while excessive water during monsoons could lead to flooding and erosion.
The minister also mentioned progress on the Teesta Barrage project, backed by various feasibility studies. Bangladesh and India jointly share 54 rivers, underscoring the significance of a robust water-sharing agreement.