We will consider Teesta proposals from both India, China, and implement the best: PM Hasina

The government is open to considering proposals from both India and China regarding the Teesta project but will implement the one that benefits the people of Bangladesh the most, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said today.

"China has made a proposal, and so has India. We will evaluate both the proposals and accept the one that is most beneficial and acceptable in terms of the interests of our people," the PM said during a press conference at Ganabhaban in Dhaka.

The press conference held to inform the media of the outcome of her recent state visit to India began at 11am, starting with a written speech and ending with a question-and-answer session.

When asked if she is leaning more towards India or China for the Teetsa project, PM Hasina said Bangladesh maintains good relations with both countries.

"I do not tend to favour any country over another. I believe in friendship with all, while prioritising the country's well-being and interests," she added.

Regarding the Teesta project specifically, PM Hasina acknowledged ongoing discussions and disagreements with both countries, particularly India, as they share water from 54 rivers.

"When we receive a proposal, we consider factors such as its suitability for us, our capacity to repay any loans, the returns we will enjoy after project completion, and how it will benefit the people of our country," she explained.

Highlighting India's interest in the Teesta project as a chance to address a mutual concern effectively, she observed, "Considering our longstanding negotiations over Teesta water sharing, partnering with India on this project could streamline our efforts to resolve the issue. I believe that collaborating with India will eliminate the crisis surrounding water sharing while benefiting both parties."

She said India has agreed to cooperate with Bangladesh on the Teesta project. A joint committee will be formed to decide not only how the water will be shared but also how to revive the river, use it for cultivation in the northern region, and enhance its navigation.

The premier said the water-sharing discussion included river dredging, constructing embankments, and water conservation measures as well.

"India will send a technical team after the 1996 Ganges water treaty expires in 2026. These teams will explore options and negotiate the terms," she added.

"We discussed the renewal of the Ganges River Water Sharing Agreement and India's assistance in the Teesta River Water Management and Water Conservation Project in Bangladesh. However, this has no link with the long-standing unsettled issue of Teesta water sharing," she said in her speech.

Sharing the important aspects of her Indian tour, she said Bangladesh-India relations have been elevated to a unique height in the last 15 years. The people of both countries are enjoying the benefits. 

"Especially in 2023, a new dimension was added to the relations between the two countries," she said in her speech. 

The prime minister went to New Delhi on 21 June on a two-day state visit at the invitation of her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.

This was the first bilateral visit by any head of government to India after the BJP-led alliance formed its government for the third consecutive time following the Lok Sabha elections.

Besides, the visit was Sheikh Hasina's second trip to the Indian capital in less than 15 days as she was among the dignitaries invited to Modi's swearing-in ceremony on 9 June.

Response to Mamata's comments

Regarding West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's letter to Indian PM Narendra Modi, Hasina said, "It is entirely India's internal matter. I do not need to interfere or comment on it."

On Monday Mamata Banerjee criticised the Centre for not inviting her to participate in talks between Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina regarding the Teesta and Ganges water sharing.

Noting the close relationship between Kolkata and Dhaka, Mamata said, "Such unilateral deliberations and discussions without consultation and the opinion of the state government are neither acceptable nor desirable."

PM Hasina endorsed Mamata Banerjee's proposal for riverbed dredging. "I support this idea; rivers need to be dredged. As silts continue to accumulate, dredging can reduce the scarcity of drinkable water," she said, adding that it should be done according to the rules.

'How a country's weight is measured'

Addressing criticism on social media that Bangladesh is being sold to India, she asserted, "Sheikh Hasina does not sell out the country nor does she compromise its interests because she knows the pain the nation endured to attain independence."

She emphasised her dedication to protecting the country's sovereignty, adding, "Those who question my intent are pro-Pakistan."

Humorously responding to allegations of selling the country, she asked how a country's weight could be measured for sale.

On criticism of her relationship with India, Sheikh Hasina reiterated, "Bangladesh is an independent state. We achieved this independence with the 1971 Liberation War. Those who criticise should know that India was the only allied power that stood shoulder to shoulder with our freedom fighters during our struggle for independence." 

Regarding the reopening of railways between Bangladesh and India, she clarified, "I am slowly reopening the railways which were closed. This will greatly contribute to our economy, benefiting common people and businesses alike."

She countered objections to providing transit to India by asking, "What is the harm in providing transit to another country? Should we close down all doors of Bangladesh?"

She cited Europe as an example, where there are no strict borders among EU states, highlighting the benefits of open transit.