Bangladesh Seeks Normal Flow of Water from India to Boost Economy

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized the importance of normal flow of water from India to support economic development in her country. Addressing a banquet hosted by Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in New Delhi, Hasina called for the conclusion of treaties on water sharing of the Teesta and other common rivers between the two countries. She highlighted the significance of a guaranteed flow of water for Bangladesh's agriculture-driven economy, which relies heavily on the Ganges River, a major source of water for irrigation.

Key Takeaways:

• Hasina requested Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's support for concluding water-sharing treaties on the Teesta and other common rivers, highlighting the importance of a guaranteed flow of water for Bangladesh's agriculture-driven economy.
• Bangladesh has already concluded the historic 30-year Ganges Water Treaty in 1996, which symbolized the true spirit of cooperation between the two countries.
• Hasina assured the Indian government that Bangladesh will not allow its territory to be used for launching terrorist activities against any country in the neighborhood or around the world.
• Bangladesh is committed to eliminating all forms of terrorism from within its territory, and serious collaboration is essential in countering terrorism.
• Bangladesh is looking forward to Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's visit to Dhaka, which would provide an opportunity to show the extent of their regard and the warmth of their friendship.
• Hasina mentioned the spontaneous visit of the Indian Foreign Minister to Dhaka in February 2009, which reflected the quality of their relations and the level of importance India attaches to its relations with Bangladesh.
• The Prime Minister pointed out the importance of activation of institutional mechanisms for promoting two-way trade, removal of avoidable hindrances, and initiation of long-pending trade-facilitation measures.
• Bangladesh and India enjoy the best of relations based on peace and peaceful coexistence, which was rooted in 1971, during Bangladesh's struggle for liberation under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the historic role in support of the nation's cause of the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
• The two countries have a shared belief in peace, and their nations have been imbued with the spirit of good neighborliness and mutual respect for each other's sovereignty and independence.

Statistics:

• 18,000 valiant Indians laid down their lives for Bangladesh's independence in 1971.
• Bangladesh and India have concluded a historic 30-year Ganges Water Treaty in 1996.
• Bangladesh's economy is driven by agriculture, which relies heavily on the Ganges River for irrigation.

Sources:

• "Asia Pulse"
• (UNB)