Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman Pushes Teesta, Padma Projects With Likely China Backing

Dhaka: Bangladesh Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said his government will start work on the Padma Barrage and Teesta Barrage projects. He said that the government will implement both these barrage projects to overcome water shortage and protect agriculture. 

What did Bangladesh Prime Minister say?

While addressing a public gathering after laying the foundation stone for the National Disaster Management Research and  Training Institute in Gazipur city of Bangladesh, he said that, "I want to clearly state that this BNP government will begin work on the Padma Barrage and also on the Teesta Barrage. BNP (Bangladesh National Party) carried out various programmes regarding the Teesta issue. Therefore, if anyone has worked, delivered, and prepared the ground, it is the BNP."

During the address, while stating that the Bangladesh government has already decided to construct the Padma Barrage in the country's northern and southern regions, especially on the Padma River in Rajshahi, Rahman said "Bangladesh receives less water during the dry season".

"Over the border, barrages are being built and water is being diverted in different ways, while we receive less water during the dry season," he said.

"We want to construct this barrage so that people and farmers in our country can get water on time during both monsoon and dry seasons," he added.

What did Tarique say about India?

During an event in Dhaka, Tarique Rahman said that "In Rajshahi, we will build the Padma Barrage on the Padma River... because across the border, they (India) are extracting water in various ways by constructing barrages and dams."

"You must have noticed - in our childhood, one couldn't see the other side of the Padma River. Even now, you can't see across, but back then it was because of the vast water body, whereas now it is empty, there is no water," he said.

Tariq Rahman blamed India for the river's water shortage in Bangladesh. He said, "During the dry season, the flow of the Padma River decreases because India withdraws water from the upper reaches of the river through barrages built near the border, resulting in less water being supplied to us."

Tariq said that this barrage will help ensure water supply for farmers and people across the country and also stated that due to the reduced flow of water from the Farakka Barrage, salty sea water is entering the southern region. He expressed concern about the environmental impact of the Sundarbans and surrounding areas due to increased salinity.

Rahman seeks help from China?

The water sharing dispute between India and Bangladesh over the Teesta and Padma rivers has been ongoing for decades. The Padma is known as the Ganges in India. Bangladesh has sought assistance from China to build a massive barrage on the Teesta River. The foundation stone for this project, known as the Teesta Mega Project, was laid during Sheikh Hasina's tenure. In July 2024, the Hasina government expressed its desire for Indian cooperation on this project, but her government collapsed within a month.