Teesta Master Plan feasibility study to be completed soon: Anee

Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee has said the joint feasibility study for the Teesta Master Plan will be completed as quickly as possible following China's agreement to support the initiative. 

Speaking to journalists about Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent state visit to China, the minister said the two countries have agreed to jointly carry out the feasibility study, paving the way for implementation of the long-awaited Teesta River Comprehensive Management Project.

"China has agreed to conduct a feasibility study for the Teesta project. We will work together to complete the study," he said, expressing hope the study will be completed as quickly as possible.

The minister said Bangladesh also sought China's cooperation in the overall management of the country's river systems. "We have sought their cooperation in the management of our rivers. We will also work together in areas where China has relevant experience," he said.

Referring to China's commitment to support the Teesta project, he said the government will take the necessary decisions after completion of the technical process.

"With China's support, we will move forward as quickly as possible. We want to take the Teesta Master Plan to the people at the earliest. We are giving special attention so that work can begin under the current budget," Anee said.

He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman raised the Teesta issue several times during his meetings with the Chinese leadership. "The Prime Minister discussed the Teesta project with both Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chinese Premier Li Qiang," he said.

The minister said the issue was also discussed during the Prime Minister's meeting with Chinese Water Resources Minister Li Guoying at the Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing on 25 June.

"The Chinese water resources minister attended the meeting with our Prime Minister, along with ministers and advisers from both sides. After detailed discussions, it was agreed that technical assistance is needed to implement the long-awaited Teesta project. China has agreed to jointly carry out the feasibility study," he said.

Anee said lakhs of people living in the Teesta basin have long been suffering and the project is essential to address their problems.

Referring to Bangladesh-China relations, he said the two countries have enjoyed a long-standing friendship since diplomatic ties were established in 1976 under Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

The minister also recalled that former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia visited China seven times, helping further strengthen bilateral relations. 

During the meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Chinese Water Resources Minister Li Guoying assured Bangladesh of full cooperation in water resources management, he said.

Anee said Bangladesh could benefit from China's experience in water management and invited Bangladeshi water experts and officials to receive training in China.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman went to China on 22 June after completing a two-day official visit to Malaysia. He returned home on 26 June wrapping up his China tour.

During the China visit, he attended the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian before travelling to Beijing.

In Beijing, the Prime Minister held bilateral meetings with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and President Xi Jinping. He also met Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

The Bangladesh delegation included Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, Water Resources Minister Anee, State Minister for Power Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, and Prime Minister's advisers Humaiun Kobir, AKM Shamsul Islam, Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir and Mahdi Amin.