Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman Vows Teesta Barrage Master Plan Implementation with China's Support

DHAKA: Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman Monday said the “national priority” Teesta Barrage Master Plan will be implemented at “any cost”, days after Dhaka and Beijing agreed to work on the management of Teesta and other rivers — most flowing from upstream in India — and Beijing stressing their “cooperation does not target any third party”. Tarique, during his last week visit to China, was assured by Beijing of its unwavering support, “no matter how the world changes”, and at a June 26 press briefing, when asked about the Teesta river projects in relation to India, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said, “I would like to stress that China-Bangladesh cooperation does not target any third party.” “Govt is committed to resolving the country’s longstanding water management challenges through major investments in rivers, canals and irrigation infrastructure,” Tarique said. Tarique said water remains one of the most pressing concerns for people in the Rajshahi and Rangpur regions — bordering India’s northeast region — and “we are working relentlessly to address these problems”.

In the regular briefing, Jiakun had also said, “The comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation of the Teesta River is a livelihood project the Bangladeshi side attaches high importance to.” Tarique, said BNP govt has initiated plans to build the Padma Barrage as excess water during the monsoon would be stored and utilised during the dry season for agriculture.