Bangladesh to Implement Teesta Project ‘At Any Cost’, Says Prime Minister Tarique Rahman

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has reiterated his government’s commitment to implementing the Teesta Barrage Master Plan, describing the project as a national priority and asserting that it will be carried out “at any cost” to address the country’s long-standing water management challenges. Speaking at a public event, Rahman said the project is essential for improving irrigation, ensuring water security and boosting agricultural productivity in northern Bangladesh. He noted that millions of people living in the Teesta basin depend on the river for farming and livelihoods, making the implementation of the master plan crucial for the region’s socio-economic development.

The Prime Minister said the government remains determined to complete the project despite various challenges and will continue to seek international cooperation for its execution. His remarks came shortly after his visit to China, where Bangladesh and China agreed to expand cooperation on water resource management, including work related to the Teesta River.

The Teesta Barrage Master Plan aims to modernise river management infrastructure through measures such as river training, dredging, embankment construction, flood control and irrigation development. Bangladeshi authorities have maintained that the project is intended to improve water availability, reduce flood risks and support sustainable development in the country’s northern districts.

The proposed project has drawn attention in the region because the Teesta is a transboundary river shared by Bangladesh and India. The two countries have held discussions for years on a comprehensive water-sharing agreement, although a final pact has yet to be concluded. The latest developments have therefore been closely watched in New Delhi.

During Rahman’s visit, China expressed its willingness to cooperate with Bangladesh on river management projects while emphasising that such cooperation is not directed against any third country. Analysts have noted that Beijing’s growing involvement in infrastructure development in Bangladesh has added a strategic dimension to regional discussions surrounding the Teesta project.

Bangladesh has consistently maintained that the initiative is driven by domestic development priorities and is aimed at improving the living conditions of communities dependent on the river. The government has said it remains committed to pursuing the project while continuing dialogue with neighbouring countries on issues relating to shared water resources and regional cooperation.