Bangladesh's Muhammad Yunus, urged the need for prompt action to resolve the longstanding Teesta water-sharing dispute with India. In a recent interview at his official residence in Dhaka, Yunus expressed frustration with the ongoing delays, asserting that a resolution is critical for both nations.
"Delaying this issue serves no purpose," Yunus stated. "Even if the agreement doesn't fully meet our expectations, having clarity on how much water we will receive would be an improvement. It's essential that we address this matter."
Seeking whether the interim government would prioritize resolving the Teesta treaty, Yunus indicated that while the new administration would not force the issue, it would pursue a resolution through dialogue. "We must work together to find a solution," he added.
The Teesta water-sharing agreement was nearly finalized during then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Dhaka in 2011. However, the deal was stalled when West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee opposed it, citing water shortages in her state.
Yunus reminded that the dispute dates back to the period of Pakistani rule and stressed that it is crucial to resolve it according to international norms. "Lower riparian countries like Bangladesh have specific rights that need to be recognized," he said.
The interim government's Adviser on Water Resources, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, also highlighted the need to revive discussions on the treaty, emphasizing adherence to international water-sharing principles.
Addressing the recent flooding in Bangladesh, Yunus suggested that a humanitarian approach could help manage the crisis. He proposed working collaboratively with India to address flood-related challenges, independent of the treaty. "We should focus on humanitarian solutions to ease the suffering of the people," he urged.
Floods triggered by monsoon rains in Bangladesh and neighboring Indian regions have caused significant damage, with nearly three million people affected. India has contested claims that the floods were caused by the opening of a dam on the Gumti River in Tripura, asserting that floods in shared rivers are a mutual concern requiring cooperative efforts.
Regarding border tensions, Yunus condemned the alleged killings of Bangladeshi citizens by Indian border forces. "Killing is not a solution," he said. "There must be legal mechanisms to address border issues. The deaths reported are often due to misinterpretations or minor incidents."
The Border Security Force (BSF) of India has reported instances of cross-border smuggling and infiltration, leading to confrontations with Bangladeshi smugglers. India and Bangladesh share extensive borders, with ongoing concerns about illegal activities and cross-border violence.
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