Dhaka. Bangladesh has made its demand clear regarding the renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty with India. The Bangladesh government will seek to include a 'guarantee clause' in the new treaty agreement. It has also indicated that it will approach international forums if needed to protect its water rights.
Ganga water treaty is ending in December
Bangladesh Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Ani said at a seminar held in Dhaka on Tuesday that his country is committed to renegotiating the Ganga Water Treaty. The treaty is set to expire in December. This agreement was signed between India and Bangladesh in 1996 regarding sharing of Ganga water during the dry season. Water sharing has been an important issue in the bilateral relations between the two countries for a long time.
What is 'Condition of Guarantee'?
Bangladesh wants the 'guarantee clause' to be reintroduced in the new agreement. This provision was in the Ganga Water Treaty of 1977, but was removed in the 1996 agreement. The purpose of this provision was to guarantee a certain amount of water being made available to the downstream country in case of a drought season or a sudden drop in the river level.
Bangladesh wants 'right to information' in water agreements
Water Resources Minister Ani also demanded to include provisions related to 'right to information' in future water sharing agreements. He said that Bangladesh wants a compromise on its water rights and is ready to approach international organizations if needed. He expressed hope that India would understand and respect the rights and sentiments of the Bangladeshi people.
What does India have to say?
Bangladesh is demanding a new agreement regarding the renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty. At the same time, India says that bilateral talks between the two countries regarding renewal of the treaty have not yet started. The Bangladesh minister expressed hope that Prime Minister Tariq Rahman will present Bangladesh's position strongly in the United Nations next month.