Sincerity needed for BD-India water deal: Humaiun

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on Thursday said sincerity at the political and official levels in Bangladesh and India is essential to reaching an amicable resolution to the long-standing water-sharing issues between the two 
countries.

“If there is sincerity between both countries �" at the senior official level, leadership level and among the water negotiators working from both sides �" we have formed a water committee,” he told reporters after attending a seminar.

He expressed optimism that the water issues could be resolved positively if the leadership of both countries demonstrates a willingness to cooperate.

“If the leadership possesses the mindset to come forward and cooperate, we will certainly achieve an amicable and positive resolution on this issue,” he said. 

Humayun said meaningful progress would be possible if there is sincerity between the two countries at all relevant levels, including senior officials, political leadership and water negotiators.

Asked about the broader approach to resolving water-related issues, he said diplomacy and dialogue remain the way forward.

“It is only through discussion, dialogue and diplomacy that these matters will have to be resolved,” he said.

He said Bangladesh is also taking international law into consideration in dealing with the issues.

“The positions of international law are also being taken into consideration. So, this is where we stand right now,” the state minister said.

He said discussions and dialogue on the issues are continuing through the respective mechanisms of the two countries, adding that regional cooperation needs to be enhanced.

The seminar was organised to discuss water diplomacy on multilateral platforms and identify opportunities for Bangladesh to strengthen its efforts and cooperate with like-minded countries.

The speakers discussed inclusive governance and public-private partnerships in transboundary water management, as well as ways to amplify youth voices in water justice and integrate youth leadership and participation into transboundary water governance and decision-making.