Chief Adviser Wants Solution To Teesta Water Sharing Agreement

Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor of the interim government, has stated that discussions will be held with India to resolve the disagreements over the Teesta water-sharing agreement.

In an interview with PTI, Dr. Yunus made this announcement. The interview was published on the Indian news agency’s website on Friday.

In the interview conducted at his official residence in Dhaka, Dr. Yunus mentioned that the prolonged discussions without resolution have been unbeneficial for both countries.

The chief advisor further stated that water-sharing between the two countries must be in accordance with international law, emphasizing that downstream countries like Bangladesh have specific rights that must be upheld.

He noted, “Continuing to sit on the issue is not beneficial. Even if we are not happy with the amount of water we receive, it would be better to sign the agreement and resolve the issue.” He stressed that a solution must be reached.

The Teesta water-sharing agreement was nearly finalized during then-Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Dhaka in 2011. However, the agreement was not signed due to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s refusal to approve it, citing water scarcity issues in her state, which remain unresolved.