Bangladesh interim government chief adviser鈥檚 high representative Khalilur Rahman sought optimum cooperation from India on Tuesday in renewing the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty as it will expire in 2026.
鈥楾he Ganges Water Sharing Treaty is going to expire next year, so we are hoping for optimum cooperation of India (in renewing the pact),鈥� he told a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka this afternoon, responding to a query.
Khalilur said Dhaka and New Delhi continue contact with each other so that talks over the renewal of the water treaty could be started as soon as possible.
The Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, signed in 1996 between India and Bangladesh, is a 30-year agreement that specifies water sharing during the dry season (January-May) at Farakka, with a focus on ensuring a minimum flow for Bangladesh.
Responding to another question over water sharing of the Teesta River, the high representative said the life and livelihood of about 14 per cent of the country鈥檚 people, who have been living in the Teesta River basin, depends on the availability of the Teesta鈥檚 water.
Ensuring minimum availability of river waters is one of the top priorities of the Bangladesh government, he said.
鈥榃e cannot put about 14 per cent of the people in such a dire situation and that鈥檚 why we continue to talk to all. We are asking India to sign the deal (the Teesta water sharing treaty),鈥� Khalilur said.
Chief adviser鈥檚 press secretary Shafiqul Alam and deputy press secretary Apurba Jahangir were also present at the press briefing.