Dhaka, Delhi discussed joint river management: Hasan Mahmud

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Sunday said Bangladesh and India discussed river management, including Teesta, noting that there are 54 rivers that two countries share.

“There were discussions regarding the Teesta and joint river management. If we can establish a joint management of the rivers, it will benefit both countries,” he said.

Minister Hasan, who accompanied Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her two-day state visit to India on June 21-22, was responding to a question from a reporter at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

To take forward the cooperation in water resources, both countries have decided to constitute a Joint Technical Committee to initiate discussions for the renewal of the Ganges Water Treaty.

India expressed interest to assist Bangladesh with “conservation and management” of Teesta River, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ South Asia Wing.

Meanwhile, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said a technical delegation will visit Bangladesh for a project on “conservation and management” of Teesta River inside Bangladesh.

“We will also be undertaking conservation and management of the Teesta River inside Bangladesh with suitable Indian assistance,” said Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra on Saturday in New Delhi.

He said Bangladesh is a key part of India’s SAGAR doctrine and the Indo-Pacific Vision.

In terms of bilateral partnership on the rivers management, the Indian Foreign Secretary said. common rivers and their suitable management is of utmost importance for India and Bangladesh.

“To this end, a joint technical committee to initiate discussions for renewal of Ganges Water Sharing Treaty of 1996 has been formed. Technical discussions on these will soon begin,” he added.

Bangladesh reiterated the early conclusion of Teesta Water Sharing Treaty.

When asked about the arrival of India’s technical team, the Foreign Minister said Indian technical team needs to visit Bangladesh as Teesta is a large project.

“The arrival of the technical team is very positive,” he added.

Replying to a query, he said there was no discussion regarding China on Teesta.

Responding to another question, Hasan said he extended an invitation to Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to visit Bangladesh when he exchanged greetings with him at a royal reception while performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia.