Tarique Rehman
DHAKA: The Tarique Rahman-led Bangladesh govt has sought China’s “involvement and support” for the Teesta restoration project, a move that risks clouding New Delhi-Dhaka relations, as the latter pushes India to work towards implementing the 2011 Teesta water-sharing treaty blocked by outgoing West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. Dhaka has been demanding a greater share of Teesta’s waters under the agreement — which is pending for many reasons, including lack of coordination between Centre and Bengal. Many in Bangladesh hope that with BJP, which is at the Centre, soon to form govt in Bengal, there is an opportunity to revisit the treaty. Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi, following a meeting with Bangladeshi counterpart Khalilur Rahman here on Wednesday, said China supported Bangladesh’s new govt in maintaining unity and stability, revitalising economic development and improving people’s well-being. The two sides discussed issues related to the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project — a major initiative by Dhaka to dredge, embank, and manage the river that flows through Sikkim and Bengal in India before entering Bangladesh — majorly for flood control and irrigation, govt officials said. Without being specific, Wang only said China was willing to continue providing Bangladesh with support and assistance to the best of its ability. China was ready to promote alignment of the highquality Belt and Road cooperation with Bangladesh’s national development strategies, deepen cooperation in traditional areas like economy, trade, investment, infrastructure, water conservancy and people-to-people exchanges, he said. Wang said China was also looking at expanding cooperation in emerging industries, such as green development and digital economy. Khalilur said China had always been a trustworthy and indispensable friend and partner to Bangladesh.
