Teesta Mega Project work to begin this fiscal year with Chinese technical assistance: Water Resources Minister

Work on the much-discussed Teesta Mega Project will begin in the 2026–27 fiscal year with Chinese technical assistance, Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie has said.

He made the announcement on Sunday (June 28) while taking part in the general discussion on the proposed national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year in Parliament.

The minister said Chinese technical support and participation in the Teesta Mega Project were confirmed during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent visit to China. Experts from both countries have already begun the project's feasibility study.

He added that the prime minister has instructed the authorities to take swift action to address the long-standing water crisis and river management challenges in the country's northwestern region. The government is therefore moving forward with implementing the Teesta Mega Project.

The Water Resources Minister said people living in nearly 4,000 kilometres of river erosion-prone areas, including along the Teesta, Padma, Jamuna and Meghna rivers, continue to suffer severe hardships. River erosion has left millions homeless and deprived them of their agricultural land. The government is implementing long-term plans to address the crisis.

He also said the Padma Barrage Project, which is expected to benefit nearly 70 million people—around one-third of the country's population—has already received approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC). At the same time, work on the Teesta Mega Project, which will benefit around 20 million people living in the Teesta and Dharla river basins, will begin during the current fiscal year.

Speaking about the China visit, the minister said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held productive discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping and China's Minister of Water Resources. China has agreed to provide Bangladesh with technical assistance and other necessary support to improve river management.

Referring to the 57 transboundary rivers flowing into Bangladesh from India, Annie said Bangladesh is being deprived of its fair share of water during the dry season due to the Farakka Barrage and other upstream barrages. As a result, the natural flow of rivers such as the Teesta, Mathabhanga, Ichamati and Baral has been disrupted, worsening waterlogging and salinity.

He said the government has already launched an emergency canal excavation programme to tackle the situation. There are plans to excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals in phases, which is expected to play a significant role in improving water management and boosting agricultural production.

Concluding his speech, the minister criticised the previous Awami League government, alleging that the people had suffered oppression during its 17-year rule. He said that following a prolonged political movement led by Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman, the country now enjoys an environment where people can speak freely. He also warned that any attempt to restore the previous situation would be resisted by the public.