Bangladesh Says Teesta Water Dispute Should Not Damage Friendly Ties With India, Pushes For River Restoration Project

Dhaka, August 18, 2026: Bangladesh seeks to avoid a deterioration in its cordial relations with India due to the ongoing Teesta water-sharing dispute, according to Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee. Speaking at a seminar in Dhaka, Anee emphasized that both nations must consider each other's interests while pursuing their respective goals.

He advocated for a Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, backed by China, to address recurring floods, river erosion, and water shortages in Bangladesh's northern districts. Anee stated that the government has held numerous seminars and consultations to gather expert opinions on the proposed project. He underscored that failing to implement the project would exacerbate the problems faced by families in the affected areas.

The Teesta issue has been a long-standing irritant in India-Bangladesh water cooperation, with the river originating in the Himalayas and flowing through Sikkim, West Bengal, and Bangladesh. The river is crucial for agriculture, livelihoods, irrigation, and power generation in both countries, with several hydropower projects located in its upper catchment areas.

India and Bangladesh have been discussing water-sharing arrangements since the 1980s, but a comprehensive long-term agreement has not been reached. The Teesta issue is distinct from the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, signed by India and Bangladesh in 1996, which is set to expire in December 2026. The Chinese involvement in the Teesta restoration project has introduced a strategic dimension to the issue, as India is concerned about increased Chinese presence in the northern part of the country, near the Siliguri Corridor.