Discussion on Teesta project possible during CA's China visit: Foreign secretary
The chief adviser is set to travel to China tomorrow to attend the Boao Forum for Asia annual conference in Hainan Province. He is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping
The Teesta River project may be discussed during Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus's upcoming visit to China, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin said today (25 March).
Speaking at a press conference about the chief adviser's scheduled visits to China and Thailand, the foreign secretary said, "Teesta is not on the agenda of this visit. It is a matter of top leadership's will.
"However, water management is on the agenda, and there is a possibility that Teesta will come up during those discussions."
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Chief Adviser Yunus is set to visit China tomorrow (26 March) to attend the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) annual conference in Hainan Province. He is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Bangladesh has plans for an extensive project to manage and revitalise the Teesta River within its territory.
China has previously conducted a survey to assess the scope of the proposed "Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project".
While China has long expressed interest in implementing the project, now-ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina in July last year announced her administration's intent to carry it out with India as the neighbouring country holds the water of the river.
The Teesta dispute has been a longstanding issue for more than four decades between India and Bangladesh, largely due to India's lack of commitment to resolving it.
Previously, Bangladesh signed a non-binding MoU with Chinese state-owned Power Construction Corporation of China (POWERCHINA) in 2016 to explore an alternative approach to managing the river's challenges.
That MoU led to a master plan in 2020, which was supposed to be finalised by 2024 under a five-year plan.
But in February this year, Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said that the Teesta Master Plan's deadline has been extended by two years, now set for December 2026. A preliminary report is expected between October and December this year.
The Teesta Master Plan is supposed to be a comprehensive blueprint aimed at sustainably managing and restoring the Teesta River by combining detailed scientific assessments of hydrology and ecology with environmentally friendly infrastructure proposals for flood control, erosion prevention, and improved irrigation.
Regarding Bangladesh's proposal for a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the upcoming Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) summit in Thailand, Jashim Uddin said Bangladesh places high importance on its relations with all countries.
The meeting is considered significant given the current state of relations between the present government and India.
"On our part, we are ready (for the talks). We will be waiting," he said, adding that Bangladesh believes that if the meeting takes place, tensions in the relationship will be eased.
Earlier, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India was considering the meeting, and Bangladesh has already approached India through diplomatic channels to arrange it.
However, on 21 March, Indian Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said there was no update on whether the bilateral meeting would take place.
He added that Bangladesh-India relations encompass various areas, including development cooperation, economic matters, and connectivity.
Prof Yunus, who is scheduled to visit Thailand for the Bimstec Summit from 2-4 April, has reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to maintaining strong ties with India.
In a recent interview with the BBC, he stated that Bangladesh's relationship with India should be the "best relationship ever" as the two countries are closely interconnected.
He dismissed concerns over "fake news" affecting bilateral ties and described India as a key business partner.
Meanwhile, during the China visit, discussions will be held on Myanmar's internal situation and the possibilities for Rohingya repatriation, said Jashim Uddin.
Agreements may also be reached on human resource development, economic and technical cooperation, and increased media connectivity.
Additionally, announcements could be made regarding investment in Bangladesh, the establishment of economic zones, and cooperation in the health sector.
On military cooperation, Jashim Uddin said there would be general discussions on security and potential purchases.
Regarding healthcare, he noted that China has already enhanced its medical cooperation with Bangladesh.
"Four dedicated hospitals have been set up in Kunming for Bangladeshi patients, and those who have received treatment there have expressed satisfaction. Now, we expect China to cooperate in setting up a specialised hospital in Bangladesh," he said.
In response to another question, the foreign secretary described China as a close friend of Bangladesh.
"China also considers Bangladesh in the same way, which is why this visit of the chief adviser is being given special importance," he said.
He added that Bangladesh's relationship with China is multifaceted, with China being its largest trading partner and a major development partner. "New areas of cooperation are now being explored," he said.
