Says Shama Obaed
Talks underway on renewal of Ganges water-sharing treaty
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam. Photo: Collected.
Discussions are ongoing between Bangladesh and India over the renewal of the 30-year Ganges water-sharing treaty, which is set to expire in December this year, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has said.
Responding to a question from journalists, Shama Obaed said the two countries are maintaining regular diplomatic dialogue on the treaty. She cited Bangladesh's confidence that India would play a constructive role, taking into account mutual interests, regional cooperation, and the importance of bilateral relations, paving the way for meaningful progress.
She made the remarks while speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.
The state minister said not all discussions with India on the Ganges treaty are conducted publicly.
"Our discussions with India on the Ganges treaty are not always visible. The dialogue is continuing. I believe India understands the importance of the treaty and the significance of water resources. Taking these factors into account, I hope India will make decisions that do not harm our bilateral relationship," she said.
"We believe the talks are moving in a positive direction. There is not much time left before the treaty expires. The committee formed by the Prime Minister, through the Joint Rivers Commission (JRC), is working with India on the issue," she added.
Asked what she meant by saying the talks were progressing positively, Shama Obaed said she hoped India would recognize the importance of the Ganges treaty and respond accordingly.
The 30-year Ganges water-sharing treaty between Bangladesh and India, signed in 1996, is due to expire in December this year.
