DHAKA: The Tarique Rahman-led Bangladesh government has sought China's involvement and support for the Teesta restoration project, a move that risks clouding New Delhi-Dhaka relations. This comes as the latter pushes India to work towards implementing the 2011 Teesta water-sharing treaty, which has been blocked by outgoing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Background of the Teesta Water-Sharing Dispute
Dhaka has been demanding a greater share of Teesta's waters under the agreement, which remains pending due to various reasons, including a lack of coordination between the central government and West Bengal. Many in Bangladesh hope that with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre and soon to form a government in Bengal, there is an opportunity to revisit the treaty.
Chinese Foreign Minister's Remarks
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, following a meeting with his Bangladeshi counterpart Khalilur Rahman in Dhaka on Wednesday, stated that China supported Bangladesh's new government in maintaining unity and stability, revitalising economic development, and improving people's well-being. The two sides discussed issues related to the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, a major initiative by Dhaka to dredge, embank, and manage the river that flows through Sikkim and Bengal in India before entering Bangladesh. The project is primarily aimed at flood control and irrigation, according to government officials.
Without being specific, Wang only said China was willing to continue providing Bangladesh with support and assistance to the best of its ability. He added that China was ready to promote the alignment of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with Bangladesh's national development strategies, deepen cooperation in traditional areas like economy, trade, investment, infrastructure, water conservancy, and people-to-people exchanges. Wang also mentioned that China was looking at expanding cooperation in emerging industries such as green development and the digital economy.
Bangladesh's Stance
Khalilur Rahman said that China had always been a trustworthy and indispensable friend and partner to Bangladesh. The Teesta restoration project is seen as a critical step for Bangladesh to manage the river's flow and mitigate flooding, but involving China could complicate relations with India, which has historically been a key partner for Dhaka on water-sharing issues.
