With the Ganges Water Treaty set to expire in December this year, experts are urging Bangladesh to undertake a comprehensive review and reform process before entering into any renewal negotiations with India.
International affairs expert Shahab Enam Khan said the upcoming agreement must reflect present-day realities, stressing that conditions in 2026 differ significantly from those in 1996 when the treaty was first signed.
He emphasised that future negotiations should not be limited to diplomatic or engineering perspectives alone. Instead, they should incorporate insights from economists, urban planners, sociologists, and environmentalists to ensure a more holistic and sustainable framework.
Experts in Dhaka warned that failure to renew the agreement could have serious consequences for Bangladesh, including negative impacts on agriculture, food security, and increased climate vulnerability.
The treaty, signed on 12 December 1996 for a 30-year period, governs the sharing of waters from the Ganges, one of the 54 rivers shared between Bangladesh and India. However, formal discussions on its renewal or revision have yet to begin.
Water-sharing issues between the two countries are managed through the Joint Rivers Commission, under which technical-level meetings are still ongoing despite recent political strains.
Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman said a revised agreement ensuring equitable and climate-resilient water sharing would be a key test of improving bilateral relations.
On the Indian side, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh informed parliament that stakeholder inputs, including from West Bengal, have already been considered in shaping India’s position.
Experts argue that the treaty must now incorporate climate realities, technological advancements, and evolving socio-economic needs.
Prof Shahab also stressed the importance of transparent data-sharing mechanisms and strengthening institutional frameworks to build trust between the two countries.
He warned that relying solely on traditional approaches to water management would be inadequate, calling for a broader, multidisciplinary strategy in negotiations.
Highlighting the long-term importance of the issue, the foreign minister said both countries must aim for a durable solution that ensures public trust and supports mutual climate resilience over the next several decades.
Observers say the coming months will be crucial as Bangladesh prepares for negotiations that could shape water sharing, environmental stability, and bilateral relations for years to come.
