Strong stance needed for Teesta water distribution

The people of Bangladesh have launched an unprecedented movement demanding their fair share of the Teesta River water. In the two-day "Jagao Bahe, Teesta Bachao" (Wake Up, Save Teesta) movement, millions of people participated. The program, which demanded the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan and a fair share of the river's water, saw the participation of farmers, fishermen, boatmen, students, businessmen, and people from various walks of life. The struggles and hardships of the people living along the Teesta River were highlighted through songs, street plays, and poems.

Sit-in protests were held on Wednesday simultaneously at 11 locations across five districts bordering the Teesta River. Alongside BNP (Bangladesh National Party) leaders and activists, thousands of local residents from the riverside areas joined the protest. The central leaders of BNP also participated in the event. During this time, the protestors stated that India has been unilaterally withdrawing water from the Teesta River for years, and as a result, at least two crore people from five districts of Bangladesh are suffering. During the dry season, people in these areas cannot cultivate crops, and during floods, the sudden release of water causes massive erosion. The protestors stayed in the water for almost an hour.

According to news reports published on Wednesday (February 19), water and environmental experts have advised Bangladesh to take its claim for the river's water rights to the United Nations. They believe that the issue will not be resolved through bilateral talks with India. In a roundtable meeting held in the capital on Saturday, several water and environmental experts expressed this view. The acting chairman of the BNP, Tarique Rahman, also participated virtually, stating that a strong demand must be made at the United Nations to secure a fair share of water. He added that if BNP comes to power, resolving the Teesta issue would be their first priority.

After listening to speakers at the mass procession, statements from BNP leaders, and comments from water and environmental experts, we are certainly hopeful that this time, there will be positive progress in securing the fair share of Teesta water. However, in Bangladesh, it is often seen that while there is much noise and demand before elections, after the elections, many of these issues are forgotten by the ruling government. The dispute between India and Bangladesh over the fair distribution of Teesta water and the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan has been ongoing for many years. The previous Awami League government was unable to demonstrate much tangible progress in this regard. Although a master plan was conceived, it could not be implemented due to India's resistance, and the previous government showed a lack of enthusiasm on this issue. While India was reluctant to sign a water distribution agreement for Teesta, Bangladesh also failed to raise this demand assertively.

According to river experts, it is crucial for Bangladesh to adopt a strong and vocal stance against India's unjust role in river-related matters. It is not just about the Teesta; India has cast a malevolent eye on many other rivers as well. Bangladesh must determine its course of action for all transboundary rivers. It is said that Bangladesh shares 54 transboundary rivers with India, though many believe the actual number of such rivers is at least 123. These rivers need to be identified and recognized by the Joint River Commission. Simultaneously, Bangladesh must raise objections to India's unilateral withdrawal of water. The issue should be brought before the United Nations for redress, and Bangladesh should approach the international courts. This will inform the world about India's water-related aggression, creating social pressure. It is essential to expose India's water-exploiter character to the global community on a larger scale.

Recently, this long march has received a positive response from the international media. Now, if necessary, Bangladesh must also raise this demand before the United Nations. Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the advisor on environment, forest, and climate change to the interim government, said that the responsible institution, PowerChina, is expected to provide the government with the master plan by December 2026. However, between October and December of this year, they will submit a preliminary report to the government. Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, the advisor to the interim government, assured that the government will continue discussions from a strong position to ensure Bangladesh's fair share of Teesta water. We hope that both the current government and any future elected government will continue to play an effective role in securing Teesta's water share.