Bangladesh (Commonwealth Union)_ According to the latest announcement from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has opted for India’s proposal to develop the Teesta River basin, rejecting China’s competing offer. The decision, made public during a press conference at her office Ganabhavan, comes on the heels of her recent state visit to India on June 21 and 22. This move signifies a strategic acknowledgment by the Hasina government of India’s concerns regarding the Teesta Project potentially falling under Chinese influence. Additionally, the project’s location near India’s vulnerable chicken neck border with China adds to its geopolitical significance.
Also read: Water crisis threatens India’s growth
Further, Gautam Lahiri, a senior journalist and Bangladesh expert, announced that a new Assistant High Commissioner consulate will be launched to supervise the project. Bangladesh’s decision also reflects concerns over China’s loan conditions, with Prime Minister Hasina stressing the need to evaluate both the Chinese Line of Credit (LOC) terms and Bangladesh’s repayment capabilities. Lahiri noted that Indian financing offers more favorable terms compared to China’s, suggesting that resolving water-sharing issues could follow the project’s implementation, even amidst potential obstacles from West Bengal’s Chief Minister regarding the Ganges River.
Also read: All set for privatization of PIA
India’s proposal, valued at US$1 billion, outlines a comprehensive plan for managing and restoring the Teesta River. Accordingly, Prime Minister Hasina underscored her discussions in New Delhi, highlighting the project’s potential to permanently resolve water-sharing disputes. Additionally, Prime Minister Hasina is slated to visit Beijing on July 8, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, despite her commitment to securing the best loan terms for Bangladesh. She emphasized that India’s offer to develop the Teesta River basin aligns with Bangladesh’s long-term development goals, particularly in addressing water-sharing issues. She stated, “As India has offered to develop the Teesta River basin, this development project has the potential to permanently resolve the river water sharing issue”.
In addressing concerns raised by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee about the central government’s unilateral approach to river projects, Prime Minister Hasina acknowledged the constitutional requirement for state consent in water-sharing agreements. She also raised issues concerning dredging the Ganges River and upstream water withdrawals affecting Bangladesh as a lower riparian state.
PM Hasina reiterated Bangladesh’s foreign policy of “friendship towards all and malice towards none,” echoing the principles of the country’s founder, Bangabandhu. She concluded by emphasizing that the Teesta basin development project is a longstanding initiative aligned with Bangladesh’s development objectives, noting India’s forthcoming technical team visit as a significant step in bilateral cooperation.
