Teesta water sharing dispute should be resolved: Dr Yunus

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has said the interim government will pursue with India ways to resolve the issues pertaining to the long-pending Teesta water sharing treaty. 

He has emphasized the need for addressing the water distribution issues between the two countries following international law.

He shared these insights during an interview with India's state-owned Press Trust of India (PTI), which was published on Friday, September 6. The interview took place at his official residence in Dhaka last Sunday.

 “By sitting over this issue (water sharing), it is not serving any purpose. If I know how much water I will get, even if I am not happy and sign it, it would be better. This issue has to be resolved,” Yunus told PTI.

He further noted, “Continuing to leave it unresolved serves no purpose. It would be more beneficial to agree on a specific allocation of water, even if it's not ideal, and move forward. This matter needs to be settled.”

Dr. Yunus also highlighted that this is not a new issue but one that has persisted for many years. He recalled that discussions on this topic began under the Pakistan regime and noted that while there was readiness from the Indian government to finalize the agreement, the West Bengal state government was not prepared at that time. "We need to find a solution," he said.

He underscored the rights of lower riparian countries like Bangladesh, stating, "We must resolve this issue according to international norms. Lower riparian countries have specific rights, and we are determined to uphold those rights."

Regarding the recent flooding in Bangladesh and allegations that these floods are linked to actions in India, Dr. Yunus suggested adopting a humanitarian approach to manage such crises until the treaty is finalized.

While responding to a query on whether the interim government would push for resolving the issues over the Teesta water-sharing treaty at the earliest, he said the new regime will pursue it. “Push is a big word; I am not saying it. We will pursue it. But we have to sit together and resolve it,” he said.

"We can work on this together on humanitarian grounds and resolve this, as this will ease the suffering of the masses. Such humanitarian steps would really help,” he further stated. 

(With PTI Inputs)