Rajshahi:State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain has expressed optimism that India will demonstrate its friendship by ensuring Bangladesh receives its fair share of water from the Padma River during the dry season.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Farhad Hossain highlighted the upcoming expiration of the Farakka water-sharing treaty with India on December 12, underscoring the necessity of this agreement as Bangladesh struggles with insufficient water flow. He noted that while Bangladesh should receive over 30,000 cusecs of water during dry months, the flow sometimes drops to as low as 5,000 cusecs.
Hossain also mentioned that both nations' technical teams are actively monitoring the water flow at the Hardinge Bridge. He expressed hope that India will adopt a progressive stance and support the people of Bangladesh by renewing the treaty. A committee of river and water experts from Bangladesh has been established to discuss the treaty's renewal, and a meeting took place in Kolkata last June.
Additionally, a high-level committee led by Finance and Planning Adviser Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir has been formed. The Indian High Commissioner has met with Bangladesh’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, and the discussions regarding the treaty have been communicated to him. The High Commissioner has assured that he is in talks with the Indian Prime Minister and will decide on further actions upon his return.
Farhad Hossain remarked that previous actions by India concerning the Padma River water have led to concerns in Bangladesh, but he hopes the treaty renewal will foster a positive relationship. Present at the discussions were Rajshahi-3 MP Shafiqul Haque Milon, Rajshahi City Corporation Administrator Mahfuzur Rahman Riton, and Bangladesh Water Development Board Director General Ruhul Amin, among other officials.
Earlier in the day, Farhad Hossain visited the Barnai River near the Nowhata Bridge in Rajshahi and later inspected the Srirampur T-Groynes, where he participated in a tree planting event at the Central Park and Botanical Garden.