Bangladesh seeks Teesta deal without straining India ties, minister says

Bangladesh does not wish to see its relations with India deteriorate over the unresolved Teesta water-sharing agreement, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee said on Sunday, calling for New Delhi to balance its own interests with those of its neighbour. "A friend should protect the interests of a friend. We never want our friendly relations with them to deteriorate," Anee said at a seminar in Dhaka, according to local media reports. "While India has its interests, we also have ours, and they need to understand that."

The minister's comments reflect mounting pressure on Bangladesh to address critical water management challenges in its northern districts, where the country faces recurring floods, severe river erosion, and acute water shortages during dry seasons. Bangladesh has been seeking a comprehensive agreement on Teesta waters for decades, with the issue remaining unresolved despite multiple rounds of talks with India.

In response to these challenges, Bangladesh is pursuing alternative solutions, including a proposed Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project developed with support from China. The project aims to provide Bangladesh with greater control over water resources and flood management in the region. Anee indicated that his government has intensified efforts to address the issue, organizing multiple seminars to build consensus on a path forward, while maintaining that diplomatic resolution with India remains the preferred outcome.