Dhaka, 18 August 2026: Bangladesh has changed its stand regarding Teesta River. Bangladesh Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chaudhary said that the country does not want its relations with India to be affected due to the ongoing dispute regarding sharing of Teesta river water.
In a seminar organized in Dhaka, Ani said that Bangladesh considers India as a friendly neighboring country, but he wants India to take care of the interests of Bangladesh along with serving its own interests.
What did Shahiduddin Chaudhary say?
He said that the neighboring country is a friendly nation. They should keep in mind that although they may have their own interests, we also have interests. One friend should protect the interests of another friend. We never want our friendly relations with them to deteriorate.
These comments have come at a time when the new government of Bangladesh is trying to resolve the Teesta dispute.
Management and restoration projects underway on Teesta River
Bangladesh is also working on a major plan for the comprehensive management and restoration of the Teesta River, for which China is offering assistance.
The proposed project aims to address the problems faced by northern Bangladesh such as frequent floods, erosion of river banks and water scarcity during the dry season. Teesta river is very important for agriculture and livelihood.
There is hope in the districts of northern Bangladesh
Ani said that after facing river erosion and other river related problems, five or six districts of northern Bangladesh have high hopes from this project.
He said that if we fail to implement this, the losses and problems faced by the families in those areas will continue to increase. We will have to overcome this challenge at whatever cost.
Demanding an agreement regarding the river, he said that whether it is called 'Teesta Treaty' or 'Teesta Master Plan' or whatever is necessary for the implementation of this project, we will move forward towards its implementation.
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