Ganges treaty solution achievable if India steps forward: Kobir
Collected Photo
As the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty expires this year, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said a positive solution is achievable if India steps forward sincerely.
He made these remarks on Thursday in a seminar organized by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS). He added, “If there is sincerity between the two countries and a mindset of cooperation is fostered at the leadership level, it will be possible to resolve issues regarding shared rivers, including water sharing.
“Discussions are ongoing between the two countries regarding shared river water sharing. This will continue.”
A 30-year treaty was signed with India on 12 December 1996, regarding the water sharing of the Ganges. Although the agreement was signed, allegations remain that Bangladesh has failed to receive an adequate volume of water.
The treaty expires in December, prompting ongoing renewal discussions. However, cool Bangladesh-India relations over the past two years are viewed as an obstacle in this process. Recently, Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi said all existing crises would be resolved once the heads of government of both countries meet.
Kobir is also emphasizing the importance of expanding regional cooperation to resolve the issue. Maintaining sincerity among officials and leadership-level negotiators from both nations is essential.
Disclosing that Bangladesh has formed a committee on the matter, he noted that the Indian government is also working on these issues. A positive solution to the problems will be attainable if India’s leadership steps forward with cooperation.
Kobir said these problems must be resolved through discussion, dialogue, and diplomacy. At the same time, considerations of international law must also be taken into account.
He highlighted the importance of preserving the dignity of the people’s sacrifices. Remembering the sacrifices of the public is a major duty of the political class. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is committed to upholding the dignity of those sacrifices.
The state minister added that rather than operating in a conventional manner, the government aims to address the country’s future crises and challenges qualitatively.
