Bangladesh has formed a committee to negotiate with India as their Ganges water-sharing treaty approaches its December expiry. State Minister Shama Obaed Islam says working-level contacts are already under way. The committee is to shape Bangladesh’s position on renewal or revised provisions, with present water needs and long-term interests guiding the talks.
Bangladesh is preparing negotiations with India over the Ganges water-sharing treaty, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said on November 2. She said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had formed a committee to conduct the process. Working-level contacts with India are already taking place.[1], [2]
The treaty signed in 1996 reaches the end of its thirty-year term in December 2026. Shama said Bangladesh hoped to renew it before expiry and expressed hope that India would make the right decision. She described formal discussions as a way to address outstanding questions and sustain water-sharing cooperation between the neighbours.[1]
The water resources minister and the government’s finance adviser lead the process, with the foreign ministry represented. Asked whether Bangladesh sought a direct renewal or a new agreement with revised provisions, Shama said the committee’s deliberations would determine its position. She said current water requirements, future needs and national interests would guide Bangladesh’s demands. No new allocation or completed bilateral agreement was disclosed.[1]
