[🇧🇩] India's Water Terrorism Against Bangladesh

[Krishna with Flute]

How much money India is willing to spend on the Indian side of the dam?

Some news paper quoted figure of 35000 crore INR

 

[Saif]

SOUTH ASIAN HYDRO-POLITICS: What should Dhaka do for fair share?

SOUTH Asia’s hydro-politics is marked by a complex web of transboundary rivers, riparian positions, and power dynamics, often leading to disputes over water sharing. The situation is particularly strained between India and China concerning the Brahmaputra River and between Bangladesh and India...

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SOUTH ASIAN HYDRO-POLITICS: What should Dhaka do for fair share?
Md Shoriful Alom 14 February, 2025, 00:00

Activists of Teesta Banchao Nadi Banchao Sangram Parishad demonstrate on a boat under the Teesta Bridge at Mohipur of Gangachara upazila in Rangpur on November 1, 2020 demanding fair share of Teesta water and steps to ensure navigability. | New Age

SOUTH Asia’s hydro-politics is marked by a complex web of transboundary rivers, riparian positions, and power dynamics, often leading to disputes over water sharing. The situation is particularly strained between India and China concerning the Brahmaputra River and between Bangladesh and India, which share 54 transboundary rivers.

For Bangladesh, the Teesta and Ganges rivers are of primary concern, with equitable water distribution remaining a significant challenge in its relationship with upper-riparian India. As climate change exacerbates water scarcity, the need for fair and sustainable water management becomes ever more critical for regional stability and cooperation. In this context, Bangladesh needs to expand its effort to multi-dimensions – diplomatic negotiations, public diplomacy and search for technological solutions.

South Asian hydro-hegemony

HYDRO-POLITICS in South Asia is largely defined by the dynamic between upper-riparian and lower-riparian countries. The upper riparian state, by virtue of its geographical position, often wields considerable influence over the flow and distribution of water resources. In South Asia, the upper riparian often capitalises on the situation for its own benefit, ignoring the lower riparian’s demand. This power position over the course of water is known as hydro-hegemony, a term coined by prominent Indian scholar Brahma Chellaney while describing hydro-politics between India and China.

While India faces hydro-hegemony from its upper riparian China, in the case of Bangladesh and India, it assumes the same role. India, as the upper riparian country for Bangladesh, holds a position of advantage, enabling it to undertake unilateral projects such as dam construction, flow diversion, and canal digging. These actions often result in adverse consequences for Bangladesh, including overflow during the monsoon season and underflow during the dry summer months, impacting agriculture, livelihoods, and the environment.

Despite existing treaties, such as the Indus Water Treaty between Pakistan and India and the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty between Bangladesh and India, disputes dominate in South Asia’s hydro-politics narratives.

However, cooperation does exist, as the Joint River Commission between Bangladesh and India serves as a platform for dialogue and cooperation, but its effectiveness is often hampered by power imbalances and a lack of consensus on equitable water sharing.

Bangladesh-India hydro-relations

THE current state of hydro-relations between Bangladesh and India is characterised by a mix of cooperation and contention. Unilateral decisions by India, such as the recent opening of dam gates without prior notice, have led to devastating floods in Bangladesh, highlighting the vulnerability of the lower-riparian state. The Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, a landmark agreement signed in 1996, is set to expire in 2026, necessitating renewal negotiations. While the treaty has provided some benefits to Bangladesh, concerns remain regarding its effectiveness and the need for revisions to address existing flaws and malpractices.

The long-standing Teesta River water-sharing agreement remains elusive, with negotiations stalled due to various challenges emanating from the Indian side, particularly the concerns of West Bengal. This delay has significant implications for northern Bangladesh, where the Teesta River is drying up, leading to environmental degradation, agricultural disposition, and economic hardship.

Key challenges in peaceful water-sharing

THE primary challenges in peaceful water-sharing mostly originate from the Indian side. Its unilateral decisions regarding river basin management capitalising on its riparian position bring adverse impacts for Bangladesh. The ineffectiveness of JRC and lack of strong commitment to existing treaties fail to ensure the proper flow. Furthermore, the variety of stakeholders in India and their diverse interests due to its federalism also contribute to the delay in inking agreements. For instance, while West Bengal opposes the Teesta agreement and has dug multiple canals from Teesta to divert water, Bihar on the other side also faces floods like Bangladesh due to this condition. Lastly, as both India and Bangladesh are not signatories of the UN Convention on International Watercourses, there is no legal compulsion from India to adhere to the international standard here.

What Bangladesh should do?

TO ENSURE its fair share of water resources, Bangladesh must adopt a multi-faceted approach encompassing preparedness for treaty renewal negotiations, a clear stance on the Teesta River agreement, technological interventions, and sound public diplomacy.

Firstly, Bangladesh needs to prepare thoroughly for the renewal negotiations of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, set to expire in 2026. This preparation should involve a comprehensive assessment of the treaty’s performance over the past three decades, identifying any flaws, loopholes, or malpractices that have hindered its effectiveness. Bangladesh must gather credible data and evidence to support its claims for a more equitable water distribution arrangement, taking into account the changing hydrological realities and the impacts of climate change.

Secondly, Bangladesh needs to seek a clear and definitive commitment from India on the Teesta River water-sharing agreement. The prolonged delay in finalising this agreement has caused immense suffering for the people of northern Bangladesh, and India must demonstrate the political will to resolve this issue fairly and equitably. Bangladesh should explore all possible avenues for dialogue and negotiation, including involving neutral third parties or international mediators, if necessary, to break the deadlock and reach a mutually acceptable solution.

Thirdly, Bangladesh should embrace technological interventions to mitigate the impacts of water scarcity and improve water management. The Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, with the help of Chinese technology, represents a significant step in this direction. By leveraging technological solutions, Bangladesh can enhance its water storage capacity, improve irrigation efficiency, and restore the ecological health of its rivers.

Moreover, Bangladesh should explore opportunities for technology transfer and knowledge sharing with other countries facing similar water challenges, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of innovation in water resource management. Given the increasing affordability of technology, Bangladesh can seek technological solutions in other cases as well. Bangladesh’s seeking technological solutions to water-sharing would also serve as a soft deterrence to India’s unilateral decisions and stalling water-sharing agreements. It would also leverage Bangladesh with a geopolitical advantage in regional politics.

Fourthly, Bangladesh may consider signing international instruments on water-sharing and river basin management, such as the UN Convention on International Watercourses and the Berlin Rules of Water Resources, popularly known as the ‘Berlin Agreement’. Signing such conventions would provide Bangladesh with international consensus and introduce international standards in bilateral negotiations with a reference value.

Finally, Bangladesh must pursue sound public diplomacy with India to promote its perception to the people of India, especially in West Bengal. Such a campaign would also help in recognising the importance of maintaining stable and cooperative bilateral relations among the neighbours. While the pursuit of equitable water sharing is a legitimate and non-negotiable objective, it should be pursued through peaceful and constructive means, avoiding any actions that could escalate tensions or undermine trust. Bangladesh should emphasise the shared benefits of cooperation on water management, including flood control, navigation, and environmental protection, and work towards building a relationship based on mutual respect, understanding, and shared prosperity. Despite the present strain in bilateral relations, both countries must emphasise the need for long-term thinking.

To conclude, water will become an important element in South Asian geopolitics in the coming days due to environmental degradation and lack of clean water. The path to equitable water sharing may be fraught with challenges, but with determination, innovation, and sound diplomacy, Bangladesh can overcome these obstacles and secure a sustainable future for itself and its neighbours.

Md Shoriful Alom is a researcher. His areas of interest are South Asian politics and the economic diplomacy of Bangladesh.​

 

[Saif]

রাতের আধারে তিস্তা বাঁধ খুলে দিলো ভারত !! ফসল রক্ষায় লাখো মানুষের ঢল

 

[Saif]

TEESTA RIVER PROTECTION MOVEMENT: BNP urges India to show goodwill

Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday urged India to demonstrate goodwill towards the people of Bangladesh by ensuring a fair share of Teesta water, halting border killings and refraining from its ‘big brother’ attitude.

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TEESTA RIVER PROTECTION MOVEMENT: BNP urges India to show goodwill
Zakir Hossain . Rangpur 18 February, 2025, 00:15

Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir addresses the inauguration of a 48-hour sit-in of the Teesta River Protection Movement Committee at Teesta railway bridge point in Lalmonirhat on Monday. | Focus Bangla photo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday urged India to demonstrate goodwill towards the people of Bangladesh by ensuring a fair share of Teesta water, halting border killings and refraining from its ‘big brother’ attitude.

The friendship will be based on mutual respect and interest, he said while addressing as chief guest the inauguration of a 48-hour sit-in programme under the banner of ‘Teesta River protection movement committee’ at Teesta railway bridge point in Lalmonirhat.

‘India does not give our proper share of water in the trans-boundary rivers. Moreover, they are hosting fascist Sheikh Hasina,’ Fakhrul said.

Terming the Teesta River protection movement as a life and death struggle, he urged the interim government to demand the country’s proper share of water from India.

The BNP had always been vocal about Bangladesh’s fair share of water from the trans-boundary rivers, said the party leader, adding that people thought India would give a fair share of river water when its old ally Awami League came to power, but they miserably failed because they had sold the country to India.

He further said that India had erected embankments controlling the water flow of 54 trans-boundary rivers, producing electricity and irrigating their farmland, while severely affecting the lives of people, agriculture and biodiversity in the northern region of Bangladesh.

The party secretary general also addressed the issue of national election at his speech, stating that people were waiting

for exercising their voting rights.

‘We want to elect our leaders through vote. An unstable situation is prevailing now. Peace and law and order will be restored once the elected government comes,’ Fakhrul said.

He urged the interim government to arrange the national polls shortly after necessary reforms.

Demanding the implementation of the Teesta water sharing treaty and mega plan, a 48-hour sit-in programme under the banner of ‘Teesta river protection movement committee’ began on Monday morning simultaneously at 11 points along the Teesta riverbank in five districts—Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Rangpur, Nilphamari, and Gaibandha.

Led by BNP central organising secretary and Lalmonirhat district unit BNP president Principal Asadul Habib Dulu, also the chief coordinator of the programme, the sit-in began at 11:00am across a 230-kilometre stretch along the Teesta.

Chanting ‘Jago Bahe Teesta bachai’ (Wake up! Save the Teesta), thousands of people gathered on the riverbank. Several stages and tents were also set up at the programme venue.

Leaders and activists of various political parties along with the common people joined the sit-in.

Asadul Habib Dulu said that the sit-in was called not by any political parties, organisations or individuals, rather it was a movement of all the deprived people living in the Teesta basin. Thousands of people have gathered voluntarily on both sides of the riverbank in five districts of Rangpur division, he said.

BNP central leaders joined at different points of the sit-in in the five districts.

Acting BNP chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to address the concluding session virtually tomorrow.​

 

[Saif]

India doesn’t give water, also giving shelter to our enemy in Delhi: Mirza Fakhrul

Indicating neighbouring India, BNP secretary general said, “We want to tell India clearly, release Teesta River water first, if you want to make friendship with the people of Bangladesh; stop killing people along the border through bullets; and, stop behaving with us like an elder brother. We...

en.prothomalo.com

India doesn’t give water, also giving shelter to our enemy in Delhi: Mirza Fakhrul
Staff Correspondent &
Correspondent
Lalmonirhat
Published: 17 Feb 2025, 23: 01

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir speaks as the chief guest at a rally titled ‘Teesta River Protection Movement’ held at the Teesta Rail Bridge point in Lalmonirhat on 17 February 2025Prothom Alo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday slammed India’s unilateral withdrawal of Teesta River water.

He also spoke about the sufferings of the people living along the banks of the Teesta River due to river erosion and lack of water in the dry season.

“On the one hand, India doesn’t give us (due share of) water, on the other hand, it is giving shelter to our enemy in a lavish place in Delhi. She issues various orders from there,” Mirza Fakhrul said while speaking as a chief guest at a 48-hour sit-ins programme at the Lalmonirhat end of Teesta rail and road bridge, enforced by ‘Teeta River Protection Andolan Committee’ in the afternoon.

He further stated, “What a pathetic condition for them (the victims). On the one hand, houses and assets wash away and face damage as they (India) release water. Again, the area dries when they stop the flow of water closing gates of a dam. The sufferings of the people living along the banks of Teesta do not go away.”

Addressing the programme, the BNP senior leader said, “We have been talking about fair share of Teesta River water for a long time. The Awami League formed a government. Initially, many people thought they would get Teesta water as AL is a friend of India. But nothing was done in 15 years. Sheikh Hasina sold Bangladesh in the past 15 years but could not bring a drop of Teesta water.”

Mentioning that not only Teesta, rather, India built dams in the upstreams of 54 transboundary rivers, Mirza Fakhrul said, “India generates electricity by withdrawing water through dams, but our farmers could not produce grains due to lack of water, our fishermen could not catch fish in the river. All the people living along the riverbank have been facing this unbearable situation. That is why this call to save Teesta River is a call from our heart.”

The BNP secretary general recalled the historic Long March towards Farakka at the initiative of the late Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani. “The late leader once marched towards Farakka for a fair share of Ganges River. In the same way, Asadul Habib Dulu (BNP’s Rangpur division organising secretary) called up thousands of people at 11 points of Teesta River saying ‘Jago Bahe, Teesta Bachai (Brothers, awake, let’s save Teesta)’. This is not a slogan; this is a lamentation of the people living along the river to save their lives.”

Indicating the interim government, Mirza Fakhrul said, “We want to tell this government clearly, you say, you are neutral. But you cannot maintain neutrality on this issue. You have to open your mouth about this. You have to tell India, we want our fair share of water. Nothing comes without a fight. We will bring water in the Teesta River through a fight. We will realise our rights.”

Indicating neighbouring India, BNP secretary general said, “We want to tell India clearly, release Teesta River water first, if you want to make friendship with the people of Bangladesh; stop killing people along the border; and, stop behaving with us like an elder brother. We could stand on our own feet. Surely we want to see India as our friend, which would be based on dignity.”

Parliament election

During his speech at the 48-hour sit-ins programme, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also spoke about parliamentary elections.

“They sometimes say, we always speak about voting. But the reason for this speaking about voting is just one - how would we elect a leader if there is no voting. Who would speak about us? We want our representatives. That is why we speak about voting. If there is an election in the country, the existing unrest won’t be there. There will be peace and stability.”

“We fought against the Pakistan army in 1971. The main objective of that fight was a democratic system. The people of the country could not cast their votes in the last 15 years. They want to elect their representatives through elections. We want voting,” he stressed.

Thousands of people gathered at the programme from various areas of the region.

BNP standing committee member Iqbal Hassan Mahmud Tuku, BNP vice-chairman Samsuzzaman Dudu, president of Bangladesh Jatiya Party Mostafa Jamal Haider, Biplobi Workers Party general secretary Saiful Haque, BNP joint organising secretary (Rangpur division) Abdul Khaleque, Rangpur Metropolitan BNP convener Shamsuzzaman Samu, its member-secretary Mahfuz Un Nabi Don, Rangpur district BNP convener Md Saiful Islam, its member-secretary Anisur Rahman Laku, among others, addressed the rally.

Simultaneously, such programmes were organised at 10 other points along the Teesta river in Rangpur, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari and Gaibandha districts today, the first day of the two day event.

BNP standing committee member Iqbal Hassan Mahmud Tuku and Ganosamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki addressed two rallies held at both sides of the Mohipur Bridge at the juncture of Gangachara upazila in Rangpur and Kaliganj upazila of Lalmonirhat this afternoon.

President of Bangladesh Jatiya Party Mostafa Jamal Haider and general secretary of Biplobi Workers Party Saiful Haque addressed the rally held at Teesta Rail Bridge area in Kawnia upazila of Rangpur.

BNP chairperson’s adviser Moazzem Hossain Alal addressed the rally held at Sarishabari area under Ghorialdanga union of Rajarhat upazila in Kurigram district.

BNP standing committee members Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury addressed the rally at Pakarmatha area under Thetrai union of Ulipur upazila in Kurigram district.

BNP vice-chairman Barkatullah Bulu addressed the rally held at the Haripur Bridge point in Sundarganj upazila of Gaibandha district.

Later, cultural programmes were organised at all rally venues. Bhaoyaiya music, Polli Geeti, Baul song, solo performance, guest artists’ songs, dual performance, poetry recitation, Zari song, dual Bhaoyaiya featured the programmes.

Thousands of enthusiastic people gathered at both sides of the Teesta river turning the rallies into places of festivities in greater Rangpur.

A mass foot march of the people will parade from Teesta Bridge to Kaunia at 10:00 am Tuesday. Later, BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman will address the programme in the evening. Besides, documentaries and films will be shown here.​

 

[Cryptonian]

Water is state subject. We got dispute over Kaveri river between two states Karnataka and Tamilnadu. Here Indian central govt has no role to play. BD temp regime should be discussing water issue with Momta didi.

 

[Dogun18]

Water is state subject. We got dispute over Kaveri river between two states Karnataka and Tamilnadu. Here Indian central govt has no role to play. BD temp regime should be discussing water issue with Momta didi.

@Lulldapull @Sharma Ji @Krishna with Flute @Saif @Bilal9 @Bagheera0084 @Mrloveday @steppeWolff @PoKeMon @Paitoo

 

[Dogun18]

@Guru Dutt