State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today said discussions with India on the renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty are moving in a positive direction. She expressed optimism that New Delhi will recognise the treaty's importance.
Positive Direction
"We believe the discussions are moving in a positive direction…bilateral negotiations on the treaty are continuing, although every aspect of the discussions cannot be made public at this stage," she said. Talking to reporters at the foreign ministry, Shama said Bangladesh believes India understands the importance of the treaty and the significance of the Ganges waters for both countries.
Shared Interest
"I believe India will make the right decision taking that into consideration, and with the shared interest of ensuring that our bilateral relationship is not harmed in any way," she said. The state minister said the team and committee formed by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman are actively working with India on the issue, despite the limited time remaining before the treaty expires.
Limited Time
Responding to a question seeking further clarification on her optimism, Shama Obaed said she could not elaborate on the ongoing negotiations at this stage. "There is nothing further I can elaborate on at this stage. We remain hopeful," she added. Noting that around six months remain before the treaty expires, she said the decision on renewal ultimately rests with India.
Importance of the Treaty
"As I said, I hope India appreciates the importance of the Ganges Treaty and will move forward accordingly," she added. The 30-year Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, signed between Bangladesh and India on December 12, 1996, is due to expire in December this year. The agreement governs the sharing of the Ganges waters between the two neighbouring countries, which also share 54 transboundary rivers.
Joint Rivers Commission
Bangladesh and India discuss water-sharing and other river-related issues through the Joint Rivers Commission (JRC), the institutional mechanism established to advance bilateral cooperation on shared water resources.
