Shared Rivers Need Fair Solutions 

We welcome President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s call for an early and fair resolution of Bangladesh’s longstanding water issues with India, especially concerning the Ganges, Teesta and other common rivers. He made the remarks recently when Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi called on him at Bangabhaban, according to a presidential release.

For Bangladesh, these rivers are vital to national interests, livelihoods and water security because of its downstream position. The disputes require meaningful solutions, not another cycle of negotiations without tangible results. We believe resolving them fairly would strengthen mutual trust and give greater substance to bilateral ties.

The stakes are high during the dry season, when inadequate flows can reduce irrigation water, disrupt fisheries and damage river ecosystems. These effects can quickly spread to food production and rural incomes. During the monsoon, excessive flows can contribute to flooding and erosion. Millions living along these rivers consequently bear the impact of upstream decisions. Meanwhile, climate change is making rainfall patterns and water availability less predictable. Reliable and coordinated management of transboundary rivers is thus becoming increasingly urgent.

The issue also has wider economic and environmental implications. Reduced flows can undermine agricultural production and food security, while declining river health can weaken fisheries and other river-based activities. These pressures affect the incomes and wellbeing of millions, while prolonged uncertainty can fuel public frustration and strain relations between the neighbours. Water cannot remain a peripheral issue in Bangladesh-India ties. A durable partnership must address the concerns of both countries while protecting the people who depend on these rivers.

The need of the hour is practical collaboration backed by effective arrangements. Fair sharing should ensure predictable flows, particularly during periods of scarcity, supported by transparent data and joint monitoring. Both sides should strengthen hydrological information-sharing and use scientific assessments to guide water allocation. Negotiations on the Teesta and other unresolved rivers must move forward with greater urgency. Long-term frameworks should also account for climate change, environmental needs and future demand. Dialogue will have little value unless it produces fair and measurable outcomes.

We expect India to give greater priority to Bangladesh’s legitimate concerns over shared waters. Bangladesh values its closest-neighbour relationship with India and seeks stronger ties in trade, development, connectivity and people-to-people relations. However, progress in these areas should go hand in hand with movement on longstanding water issues. Sustained political engagement, transparent negotiations and equitable arrangements are essential.

In conclusion, shared rivers should become bridges of partnership rather than sources of friction. Fair and sustainable water management can protect Bangladesh’s people, economy and environment while recognising India’s legitimate interests and building a more balanced and durable relationship between the two neighbours.