Bangladesh does not want ties with India to deteriorate over Teesta: Minister
Bangladesh's Water Resources Minister has emphasized the importance of maintaining friendly ties with India despite ongoing tensions over the Teesta water-sharing agreement. The government is currently seeking expert input on a proposed project to manage the river's flow and mitigate flooding.
Why it matters
Water rights are a critical geopolitical issue in South Asia, impacting regional stability and the livelihoods of millions in northern districts.
Bangladesh does not want its friendly ties with India to deteriorate over the long-pending Teesta water-sharing agreement, a senior Minister has said, urging New Delhi to take into account Dhaka's interests while pursuing its own.
"The neighbouring country is a friendly country. They have to think that while they have their interests, we also have ours," Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee was quoted as saying by news portal tbsnews.net at a seminar.
"A friend should protect the interests of a friend. We never want our friendly relations with them to deteriorate," he said.
Mr. Anee's remarks on Sunday (August 16, 2026) come amid a renewed push by Bangladesh to address the Teesta issue, including through the proposed Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project with China's support, as Dhaka seeks to tackle recurring floods, river erosion and dry-season water shortages in the country's northern districts.
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